Author Rich German’s Documentary Film Shines the Light on the Young Face of Homelessness
Author and lifestyle coach Rich German produces documentary film called Generation Why. Youth homelessness may be an invisible problem but it is not an unsolvable one.
(April 5, 2011 - Laguna Beach, CA) - Would you recognize a homeless young person if you saw one? Probably not. The issue of homeless youth is often described as an invisible problem. Homeless youth are highly transient and do not want to be identified, notoriously underserved and under recognized. Author Rich German wants to share the stories of homeless youth (www.GenWhyMovie.com) to help people understand the ways to prevent traditional homelessness, and to help at-risk kids before they start sleeping on cardboard boxes.
“Youth homelessness may be an invisible problem but it is not an unsolvable one. With an increase in media coverage, we will hopefully gain ground on dealing with this huge problem that is right here in every community in America,” said German, author and lifestyle coach.
Author Rich German wrote Monetize Your Passion about finding passion and then making a living with it. Now his passion is bringing a solution to the 1.6 million homeless youth in America. How do you raise awareness to a problem of this magnitude? Because many documentaries today have proven to be catalysts for social change, German decided to create a documentary about this shocking fact. German teamed with international award winning film company, Change for Balance Productions, and produced a trailer for the film. Together in collaboration with Inter-Nation-Cultural Foundation, a donor-directed 501c (3), they hope the full-length documentary, “Generation Why?” will be the vehicle to the solution that German sees as a problem this country can’t afford to ignore.
“The economy is still sluggish, the number of children sleeping in cars, bouncing between the homes of friends (couch-surfing) and family members and shelters grows each year,” German said recently. “The number one thing we need to do is create public awareness. We all need to be talking about this and be aware of this so that these homeless children don't stay invisible. The entire community can play a role through our volunteer efforts, through our charitable giving. Youth homelessness begins a cycle of homelessness; we can all make a difference to help these kids.”
A life coach who has helped thousands cope with the challenges of today’s economy and dealing with the reality of someone who has lost a job, Rich German has skills that can be used to help homeless youth cope with their lives and some of the issues that brought them to their state. Many homeless youth lose their home, community, friends, and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety. Many may be victims of past trauma.
ABC News 20/20 recently aired an episode that showcased homeless youth featuring the stories of four teens slipping through the cracks in much need of attention and intervention. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked.
For information about how you can help, visit www.GenWhyMovie.com Like-minded corporations and foundations are encouraged to join the GenWhy Project because awareness is needed now.
About Rich German
Rich German is recognized as one of the most accomplished and admired business and life coaches in the world. Rich is the author of the new book, Monetize Your Passion, which was released in September of 2010. Over 30,000 copies were in circulation after the first month of its release.
Since 1999, Rich has conducted over 17,000 individual coaching sessions and has led numerous training seminars for thousands of people. He is host of the popular video blog, - “Rich in Life” - at www.RichGermanTV.com Rich has discovered a way to use his success, accomplishments and education to build social capital while living his dreams and doing good things for his community.
About National Homeless Youth Awareness Month – November 2011
November 2011 is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Rich German and the GenWhy Project will be launching initiatives and events leading up to and during the month of November, 2011. Check back at www.RichGerman.com and www.GenWhyMovie.com for a schedule of events.
Nine Facts About the Young Face of Homelessness in America
- 1 in 3 homeless people in America are under the age of eighteen years of age
- Over 50% of youth in shelters and on the streets report that their parents told them to leave, knew they were leaving and did not care.
- 26% of homeless families are headed by persons ages 17-24
- 20% of homeless adults experienced homelessness during childhood
- 1 in 4 homeless youth come from the foster system.
- 33% of heterosexual youth have been sexually abused
- Around 400,000 homeless youth are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, in which 58% have been sexually abused.
- Every day 12 homeless children die on the streets of America.
- Rich German raised $30,000 in 30 DAYS for the GenWhy Project.
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