Starting November 1st, the Rochester Police Department and the City of Rochester will be supporting National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), an annual public awareness campaign designed to “shine a light” on youth experiencing homelessness and those who have run away from home.

An estimated 4.2 million young people experience some sort of homelessness, which can be identified as couch surfing, staying in a shelter, or living on the streets. Housing instability can have detrimental and long-term effects on youth, including limited access to education, poor physical and mental health outcomes, and a higher risk of becoming a victim of violence and/or human trafficking.

Every November, organizations and advocates across the nation use NRPM to call attention to the youth homelessness crisis. In recognition, the Rochester Police Department will be placing green ribbons on patrol cars. In addition, officers will wear green lapel pins on their uniforms. Also, as part of National Runaway Prevention Month, municipal buildings and monuments will be lit green, the official color of NRPM.

On Thursday, November 10th, the Rochester Police Department, along with Waypoint NH and other community partners, will be hosting “Light the Night” at 3 Wallace Street, Waypoint’s new Teen Resource Center.

According to organizers, “Light the Night” is the place to obtain a green light bulb for homes and businesses. Organizers are encouraging residents and business owners to keep the lights illuminated on November 17th as the entire City will be filmed from a drone to capture citywide support for the cause.