Media Newsroom

Media Advisory

For immediate release: Oct. 29, 2019
Contact: Mara Morrison
(858) 735-7275 (cell)
mmorrison@sdyouthservices.org

San Diego Youth Services to Run 50K for Homeless Youth

What:
San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) leaders, board members and staff will run 50K across San Diego to kick off Homeless Youth Awareness Month. The event is also in recognition of the organization’s 50 years of helping homeless youth in San Diego.

When:
Friday, Nov. 1 starting at 8 am and ending approx. 3 pm

Where:
Participants will run from SDYS’ Point Loma Campus to its Spring Valley and East Communities Campus and pass each of the organization’s office locations

Starting Line: SDYS Spring Valley and East Communities Campus, 3845 Spring Drive, Spring Valley, CA 91977

Finish Line: SDYS Point Loma Campus, 3255 Wing Street, San Diego, CA 92110

Who:
SDYS CEO Walter Philips and Associate Executive Director Steven Jella will run the full 50K (30+) miles, joined along the route by SDYS staff and Board members, including La Mesa Police Department Police Chief Walt Vasquez.

Why:
More than 1,500 youth are known to be homeless here in America’s finest city and that number is likely an undercount. The most recent count found youth make up 12 percent of the county’s unsheltered homeless population, higher than veterans at 10 percent and families at 3 percent.

“Over 50 percent of chronically homeless adults began their homelessness when they were a young person, so if we stop youth homelessness in our community, we will make a significant stride in ending homelessness overall,” SDYS CEO Walter Philips said.

Learn how to get involved and donate at https://sdyouthservices.org.

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About San Diego Youth Services:
San Diego Youth Services (SDYS) empowers youth to reach their highest potential. The non-profit organization has improved the lives of 750,000 homeless, runaway and other vulnerable youth. Founded in 1970, SDYS now provides services to more than 28,000 youth at 100+ community locations. https://sdyouthservices.org