Nassau organization takes in homeless teens during freezing weather
The Family and Children’s Association (FCA) has emergency and transitional housing for homeless youth.
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As the cold stretch continues across Long Island, organizations are working extra hard to help people experiencing homelessness out of the elements.
“There are a lot of homeless kids out there,” said Sharon Solomon, runaway homeless youth director. “But during this type of cold is when they really realize that they need our services, and we're here.”
It can be a life-or-death decision to stay outdoors and try to brave the cold.
“It's really a race against time,” FCA president Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds said. “And unfortunately, we see at least one or two fatalities a year on Long Island related to folks who are homeless, who try to tough it out, and whose bodies just can't withstand the cold.”
FCA has an emergency shelter called Nassau Haven where any teen can go to get out of the cold. They also have a transitional home called Walkabout.
John Fields came to live at Walkabout six months ago after running away from an unsafe family situation.
“One day, I said enough was enough and took off running….” Fields said. “I don't have to always live in fear.”
He says he hopes people in similar situations find the help they need.
“I pray that any shelter or anyone who has a heart sees them and brings them in, no matter what their predicament is, because no one belongs on the street,” Fields said.
Johan Zapata learned about the Walkabout program through his school after his mom’s boyfriend kicked him out of the house.
“Everything changed for me. I find work. I find friends over there in the same situation as me….” Zapata said. “I mean, we are a family. Miss Sharon is like my mom.”
During their stay, the kids learn life skills so they can be successful when they leave.
“Everybody here is a success story,” Solomon said.
