Homeless people in Kenosha are younger than ever.

And the numbers are growing, according to members of a panel focusing on the issue, which has provoked anger and blame, as well as action and compassion.

During Thursday’s “Courageous Conversations on Homelessness” at the Kenosha Museum, experts spoke of the difficulties homeless youth encounter and the perceptions that often fuel blame and even hatred for them.

The panel was part of Kindness Week. The event was sponsored by the NAACP and the Kenosha Unified School District.

Homeless students

In the school district, 323 students have been identified as facing homelessness — 37 no longer attend school and 268 have no permanent housing. Ten have found a place to live, said Carlos Frick, who coordinates the homeless education program for Unified.

Frick said he doesn’t dwell on why students are homeless.

“I’m not in the business of judging them. I’m in the business of helping them get to a better place,” he added. “It’s not about the path that brought you here, but the path you need to take to get you out.”

Lack of services

One of the panelists was a 20-year-old woman homeless woman who identified herself only as “Arlene.” She said she has been homeless for two and a half years.

Because she is single with no children, it is difficult for her to find services that would lead to a job and permanent housing. Many programs place priority on single mothers with children. She said she does earn some money styling hair.

“It’s hard. Basically I’m just trying to get my life going,” she said.

As much as shelter, Arlene said she needs assurance that her situation will improve. She said homeless people are like anyone else.

“(We need) a shoulder to lean on, just to have the strength to know it’s going to work out some way, some how,” she said, holding back tears.

Lending a hand

When it comes to helping the homeless, money isn’t necessarily the answer.

“You can donate your time and your talents,” said Jo Wynn of Walkin’ In My Shoes, which provides sleeping bags, clothing and food for the homeless. “You can come in and help me sort some clothes.”

Kathy Burns, outreach specialist for Kenosha County’s Prevention Services Network, said businesses can also support candidates who advocate for programs that serve homeless people.

Raising awareness

Lauren Calmet and Austin Jeffries, members of Bradford High School’s Key Club, said they intend to raise awareness of the issue of homeless youth because not many students know kids their age who are without basic needs.

Calmet said she would be taking the information she learned back to her group to propose a service project and to continue discussion among her peers.

Most vulnerable

Veronica Judon, a caseworker with Kenosha Human Development Services Inc., said those in elected positions need to think about homeless youth who are among the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“Help out those who need it most,” she said.