LEWISTON – Volunteers of America Northern New England and the Region II Children’s Cabinet have expanded services for homeless, at-risk and runaway youth to all of Androscoggin County. The Homeless Intervention Program is an outreach program for youth between the ages of 10 to 21.

The program provides individualized case management services to youths and assists them in finding the resources they need to help keep them healthy and provide critical support.

It includes existing community resources that assist in areas such as shelter, food, financial assistance for services, medical and dental care, mental health services, substance abuse services, family treatment and counseling, and life-skill development.

The funding was made possible by the Region II Children’s Cabinet and the Lewiston/Auburn Homeless Youth Task Force, which is made up of members of community organizations and representatives of Department of Human Services, Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, Department of Education and local law enforcement.

Confidential referrals into the program come from a variety of sources. Anyone who comes into contact with a youth who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless may make a referral. This includes law enforcement officials, school personnel, community members, service professionals, local agencies serving youths, and the youths themselves.

Because of limited funding and the growing numbers of homeless or at-risk youth, donations of any amount to the program will make a difference. There is a need for clothing, toiletries, school supplies, baby supplies, furniture and other basic necessities.

For more information about the program, or to learn how to help, contact Bill Lagasse, homeless youth case manager, at 783-4317.

Volunteers of America Northern New England is a national, nonprofit, spiritually-based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement.

Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of affordable housing for low-income seniors, families and persons with disabilities. Additional information is available at www.voa-nne.org.