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StreetLight provides a safe and creative place where street level youth can interact positively with caring adults, to keep them off the street and to encourage their mental, social, physical and spiritual development.
According to the recent research of journalist Noor Javed, there are a "growing number of poor children who are enduring a depth of poverty not seen in more than a decade" (2007, CP). In London, there are a few hundred youth (ages 14-24) living in a homeless situation. Some live under bridges and in hostels, some are "couch-surfing" with people they know, some are struggling to hold a new apartment and job, and others are one check away from returning to this situation. Many come from and some continue to endure an abusive situation. Their terrible hurt expresses itself in negative ways including anger and selfishness. Some of the youth begin to live out destructive lifestyles including drugs, gang activity, theft, and prostitution. They feel hopeless, marginalized, and lack a sense of belonging. Almost all street level youth lack any form of trust.
Prayerfully filled with Jesus’ love for those with less, Youth for Christ London has gone to the streets. For over 10 years, Streetlight has offered what these youth truly need to make wise decisions concerning their lives immediately and in the future - someone to trust. StreetLight uses a mobile youth centre, staffed by a team of dedicated outreach workers and volunteers. The unique forty-foot renovated coach bus features a snack bar, conversation areas, and music/video centre. We offer food, Bible study and prayer, activities, and an opportunity to build trusting relationships. Through these relationships, we are able to come alongside the youth to guide them spiritually, physically, emotionally, and offer hope. We guide the street youth towards appropriate resources and encourage and counsel them in the areas of budgeting, tutoring, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, holding a job and an apartment, goal setting, and responsible decision-making. In a trusting relationship with members of the Streetlight team, the street level youth will learn to take ownership of their lives, their goals, and their future to help reach safe, healthy, and meaningful adult lives.
History of Streetlight
Meet the Streetlight Team
Gil Clelland
Darryl Reckman
Photo Gallery
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© 2007 Youth for Christ