WMBD/WYZZ TV –PEORIA – Homeless in River City...  We spoke with a 19-year old man who spent a month without a place to call his own.  Jason Thompson came to Peoria from Indianapolis and lived with friends, with no job, and only a small suitcase full of clothes.

"Tell them to keep their head up and stay strong."  That's advice Jason Thompson wants to give to others who have been in his position.  Earlier this year, Thompson spent more then a month homeless.  "The whole time I was in the rescue mission.  My case worker everyday was trying to get me out."

Desperate to turn his life around... Thompson turned to Homeless Youth Development Services through Peoria’s Children’s Home.  His case worker, Ron Vorrath has seen many others just like Thompson in his 3 years on the job.  "we've been receiving a lot more referrals because the economy, but as many jobs, everything is starting to cost a little more."  Vorrath says the teen homeless-rate has grown in the last 3 years.  "I was really not aware as to how much of an issue it was until coming to this job."

Through this agency, Thompson was able to get help and a home.  Now he's living in his own apartment and working at Culvers.  "I’m about to go get my g-e-d try to go to college."

Vorrath says Thompson is a success story... And he hopes other homeless teens can seek the strength and desire to change their life.  "Jason is one of those who had a lot of strength in terms of knowing what he wanted."

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