The group has provided micro-grants totaling more than $9,000 to 150 teenagers in the state who are in greatest need. Mississippi has the highest level of childhood poverty in America. COVID-19 has only contributed to the state’s wealth (and health!) gaps. In the first 24 hours of the fund’s launch, the group received nearly 2,500 applications. Over 60% of the nearly 4,000 applicants said they were hungry and 40% reported being homeless. Justin Lofton, youth advocacy and youth engagement director, pointed out that these two metrics are not always what people imagine. Homelessness can be episodic or chronic, and can include living with Grandma temporarily, on the streets, or in a car. Hunger is not just hunger. It can also be food insecurity. This could include skipping meals to save money, feed a sibling, or a lack of access to healthy food near by, such as the Mississippi food deserts. Lofton believes that ensuring young people have safe, healthy food and shelter is the best way to ensure their bodily autonomy. It ties directly back to our work as an organisation that is centered on young people and giving them information and knowledge to help protect themselves as sexual beings. Lofton stated that they don’t want them doing anything that could cause more harm. “So that’s what happens when young people face not just food insecurity but also homelessness.” Others noted that they need medical supplies most. Mississippi Today met Iesha Hayes (18 years old) in May. She was eating a quick meal and heading to work at Walmart as a cashier. Hayes began working with Teen Health Mississippi, a program that connects teens who might not have access to a school nurse or a pediatrician to youth-friendly healthcare. Hayes completed her high school graduation via a virtual ceremony. Now, Hayes is beginning to wonder how her family can survive without her income support when she goes to college. Hayes works an average of 40 hours per week. Most of this money goes to paying bills and buying necessities for her family. This was in addition to the transition to virtual learning. Teen Health MS: “I am forever so grateful for everyone in the room because they have saved me in a certain way and given me tools and opportunities to help other young people like me.” It was difficult to cope with so many things. I needed to feel safe and secure in an environment that allowed me to trust people and felt safe. I made a connection with every person I met… it’s almost like a family. That’s why Teen Health Mississippi is my favorite Teen Health Mississippi youth leader. She has been involved with Teen Health Mississippi for two years and she’s helped to spread the word about Teen Health Mississippi and to help friends get emergency relief. Hayes has seen firsthand the positive impact that a little assistance can make in difficult times. She is the only one left, with her mom and sister at home. COVID layoffs have disrupted her family’s ability to earn a steady income, other than her Walmart paycheck.
She said that most people her age don’t have enough time or energy to take care of their mental and sexual health while also working full-time as the breadwinner for their families. She says COVID made it even more difficult. She says that this year was more difficult than others. Her anxiety and exhaustion nearly led to even worse problems. Eventually, she realized that she had to take a step back and be able to enjoy herself.
She says that the relief fund is a way for families to make ends meet. It also prevents the pandemic causing teens to become too dependent on the funds.
“If a young person is unable to eat, or has no clean safe place to lie their head or just any other place to lay their heads period and is living on the streets, it’s like they are stealing a piece their reproductive health as far as keeping them safe & healthy.”
Learn more about the fund. These briefs were most often found in the roundup section of The Inform[H]er, our monthly newsletter for women and girls.
