According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), millions of households in the United States face food insecurity each year. This crisis can have significant effects on individual well-being and success, particularly among children and young adults. Food insecurity can negatively impact physical health. A lack of nutritious food can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Mental health is also affected by food insecurity. Stress and anxiety about obtaining food can take a toll on individuals and families. The uncertainty of where the next meal will come from can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Over time, these mental health challenges can

“Three years ago, my family and I were trapped in a relentless cycle of homelessness. Victimized by a series of misfortunes and left with dwindling hope, we were adrift, struggling to provide for our children. Every day was a battle, and each meal was a distant dream. In a desperate bid for help, we turned to Movement 5280, hoping for just a meal to sustain us. That day, sitting at a table with my husband and children, I didn’t realize how much we were about to receive. While we savored the first decent meal we’d had in days, I struck up a conversation with Tina, who seemed like just another

Homelessness in Denver written by Jamie Cope Movement 5280’s unique focus is to be a “family of support” for at-risk and unhoused youth and young adults. Additionally, as a recovery community organization, we embrace a holistic approach, offering individualized, long-term support irrespective of age. Our commitment is to create a nurturing and inclusive community that recognizes the inherent worth and potential of every individual. The statistics and information about youth homelessness in Colorado are eye opening and show why Movement 5280 seeks to help these youth with a holistic approach through our programs Survive, Thrive, and Revive. According to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2023 Annual Homelessness

Homeless Youth in Colorado written by Jadyn Neumann The homeless or at-risk youth participating in Movement 5280 are between 18 and 30. According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, “one-third (34%) of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness at a point in time are African American”, close to half are white, 10% are mixed race, and 4% are Native American. (USICH, 2018). Typically, homeless youth have aged out of the foster care system – 33%, juvenile detencion center or jail- 50% (National Confernece of State Legislatures, 2021). These demographics are representative of the clientele Movement 5280 serves. All of the clients in the program live below the poverty line and