In San Francisco, we discovered homeless youth infected and suffering from a highly contagious and deadly virus called MRSA (staph infection). San Francisco is actually on our top ten list for the most unsafe places in America for homeless youth; especially homeless LGBTQI youth. From our experience, San Francisco homeless youth are at higher risk for drug abuse, harassment, and assault, than homeless youth in other states. They are continually harassed not only by law enforcement and city maintenance workers, but also from the general community.
Although Jill and I were sleeping on the sidewalk across the street from the library, after only ten days, I was not emotionally or mentally able to go into the library and do our media work. All I had the ability to do was stare at our computer screen and cry. San Francisco has some of the most beautiful and the most entrenched homeless youth we have lived with on our journey.
Another disturbing experience, was realizing that homeless LGBTQI youth in San Francisco, are often shunned by the LGBTQI community, while LGBTQI activists do everything they can to keep programs for homeless youth open in the Castro. This we later discovered, would be the same in almost every city we walked through.
There is good news though. So please stay tuned. On our journey we also met hardcore activists, amazing organizations, and inspired youth that are finding new and creative ways to empower the homeless youth communities in America! We are going to do everything we can to connect everyone we know who is working on resolving this epidemic. All of us are making a difference. And if anyone feels inspired to join us.....we have many ways that they can help make a difference too.
Much Love and Determination,
Chloe Noble
OPERATION SHINE AMERICA TRAILER
Here is our (unofficial sampler preview) for our
upcoming documentary. Thank you to all who have helped
us in our walk and in getting the footage we need to tell
the courageous stories of homeless youth across America.
We also dedicate this video to all homeless youth, especially
youth who are kicked out of their homes for being Queer.
We love all of you and hope to one day get you ALL
of the resources and legislation you need.
Chloe Noble and Jill Hardman
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