#CouchesDontCount is an advocacy campaign to raise awareness for the disproportionate rate of young people experiencing homelessness that are “couch surfing”, or staying with friends or acquaintances rather than sleeping unsheltered. Some studies have suggested as high as 64% of youth experiencing homelessness are couch surfing as means of shelter.

Valley Youth House believes that couches don’t count as stable housing for any young person experiencing homelessness. More can and should be done to support these young people in finding resources, shelter, and transitional housing, with the ultimate goal of achieving independence and stability. The message is clear: #CouchesDontCount as stable housing for any young person experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Valley Youth House will be hosting a #CouchesDontCount pop-up event outside their office at 137 W Market Street. The pop-event will include a couch where visitors can sit and hold cardboard signs with statistics about youth homelessness and take pictures to share on social media to share awareness.