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The economic woes of New Mexico have been big news in recent months. State lawmakers cut the budgets of several agencies and Governor Bill Richardson recently ordered furloughs for some state workers.
But the tough economy is also putting extra pressure on young people who are homeless.
KUNM's Sarah Gustavus recently sat down with Karen Rowell, director of Youth Shelters, a Santa Fe based nonprofit.
Rowell says her organization has seen a rise in the number of homeless teens on the streets of Santa Fe who are hungry and facing tough decisions.
Families that were already living on the edge are struggling too, and that may be pushing some teens out onto the streets.
Youth Shelters serves young people through several programs including street outreach and transitional housing. More information is available at YouthShelters.org.