The Unitarian Universalists of Grants Pass have been collecting food and self-care items for homeless teens monthly for seven years, helping to supply the L.I.F.T. Street Youth Service. Many are too young to stay in the adult homeless shelters, and without an accompanying adult, they cannot stay in the family shelter. Some are attending school carrying all their belongings in a plastic bag. In an attempt to do more for these at-risk youth, fellowship members undertook what has bloomed into the UUGP Homeless Teen Project, beginning with the creation of sturdy new backpacks, each filled with a warm fleece blanket, a range of basic necessities, and a few items just for fun. The first twelve packs were delivered to L.I.F.T. on Valentines Day, destined for the youth who would benefit most. While these backpacks are not a solution to the dilemma of homeless teens, they offer immediate care and comfort. The vision is to provide a feeling of dignity and respect to those who receive a bag, and aid in the restoration of hope.
