Tonight, there are at least 1,500 young people in the Twin Cities who don't have a place to call home. Christy Barich knows what those youngsters are going through --- she's been one of them.
At the age of 13, she entered "the system" of living on the streets, in youth shelters, or in foster homes. A social services worker noticed Christy's articulate nature and encouraged her to get involved with Street Works. The organization helps young people who are homeless or living in youth shelters. Christy spent four years volunteering for Street Works. She says young people listen to her because she's "been there".
Christy also helped write and edit the book "Finding Our Place: The Inside Story of Foster Care." The book is designed to educate youth about their rights, responsibilities and the resources available to them while in foster care. She travels the country, speaking at conferences about her life experiences. But despite being just 21 years old, Christy says she's getting too old to be a spokesperson for young people in crisis.
In May, Christy graduated from Hamline University with a 3.98 GPA. Now she's looking for a job to go along with her degree in Anthropology & Women's Studies.
*Donation to:
District 202