Jeremy and Alicia

Featured Video Play Icon

I received a call today from Chris, an outreach worker at Denver’s homeless youth services Urban Peak .  He said he had to pick up some kids left stranded by a “sales crew”. I never heard of such a thing so it didn’t “register” or make sense.

When I arrived at their downtown facility I met Jeremy and Alicia. They were left stranded by an organization that exploits homeless youth for labor. These organizations promise great income and fun travel. To a kid in poverty being able to travel and make money is often too sexy to resist. Of course, this is just a labor trafficking scheme. The kids make very little money, are often abused, and when they want out they are left stranded back homeless, often worse than when they started.

Jeremy and Alicia up until this morning were sleeping in a bus station. Alicia is 21 and pregnant. This could have been a horrible situation, but luckily they found Urban Peak. They received a hotel voucher for tonight and will get travel assistance tomorrow so they can take a bus back home.

For more information on labor and sex trafficking of homeless youth watch this powerful interview


Invisible People

Invisible People

           

We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Until then, we strive to be the most trusted source for homelessness.

Related Topics




Get the Invisible People newsletter


RECENT STORIES

12 Years Homeless: St. Louis' 'Old Timer' Story Will Break Your Heart

Demetrius

homeless woman grants pass

Cathy

disabled homeless man in Grants Pass

Chad

Elderly homeless woman in Grants Pass, Oregon

Brenda


RECENT ARTICLES

Natural Disasters, Hurricane Helene Displacement

How Disasters Like Helene Expose Housing Inequality

Scott Turner HUD Secretary

Scott Turner’s Confirmation as HUD Secretary Raises Red Flags for Housing Advocates

Boomers struggle to keep housing as the American dream collapses

Boomers Struggle to Keep Housing as They Age

Privacy is a right all people deserve

Safeguarding Privacy While Solving Homelessness

Get the Invisible People newsletter