The Moving Maryland Forward Network, an online network linking Maryland advocacy leaders with citizens concerned about important public policy issues now before state leaders, selected the Homeless Persons Representation Project to spearhead its latest campaign: Not One Youth, Not One Night.

Here’s why: Each year in the United States, more than 1.7 million youth are on their own without a parent or guardian or a safe, stable place to sleep. In Maryland, one of the richest states in the country, homelessness among unaccompanied youth ages 14 to 25 has increased dramatically in recent years, including a 50% increase in Baltimore City alone between 2009 and 2011. It doesn’t have to be this way.

It’s time for a change – not one youth should be homeless for a single night in one of the richest states in one of the richest countries in the world. It is unacceptable that millions of young people nationwide and thousands of young people in Maryland are on their own and homeless.

To pledge your support for a right to housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth, click here.