LA homeless youths given shot at improving lives in city event

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles homeless population includes thousands of children and teens who are often forced out on the streets or into shelters because they have nowhere else to go.

City leaders are working on ways to give them a fresh start in life. An event held at Covenant House in Hollywood, a youth homeless shelter, offered haircuts, clothing and hygiene kits, as well as information about HIV testing and colleges.

In return for participating, youths were given a chance to clear citations and fines from their records.

"We have to do everything we can," said City Councilman Mitch O'Farrell. "It has to be all hands on deck."

City Attorney Mike Feuer said many of the 12,000 to 15,000 homeless youths in Los Angeles County come from the LGBT community.

"Parents in at least half the cases of these kids either kick them out of the house or knew they were leaving," Feuer said. "Now these are our kids on our streets."

Youths attending the event said they were hoping to not let their homeless status get in the way of chasing their dreams.

"I'm homeless not careless," said homeless youth Corey Hoskins. "I'm working on long-term goals and my accomplishments - as far as my dreams. That's the main reason why I'm here."