Surviving the Streets - get a copy

Surviving the Streets - a guide for youth who are looking for help.

Human Development Council, Saint John NB has published a wallet-sized guide called Surviving the Streets. Aimed at youth aged 13-25 in St. John and Kings Counties, the guide lists essential services, with phone numbers, that assist youth who are living in poverty, at risk of dropping out of school, may practise harmful behaviors, such as drug use, unprotected sex, or are otherwise marginalized.

The Saint John Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) has one of the highest rates of child and youth poverty in the country. Only Montreal and Winnipeg have a higher incidence of poor children and youth, according to census data cited in Poverty and Plenty - A Statistical Snapshot of the Quality of Life in Greater Saint John published by the Human Development Council and Vibrant Communities. As well, youth poverty has increased because a large number of job-aged youth are unemployed. The National Anti-Poverty Organization (NAPO) recently noted that youth have the highest unemployment rate of any group. In 2004, it was above 14% and still increasing for all provinces except Ontario and Quebec.

Look for Surviving the Streets at local agencies, or download a copy.