By Amy Sienicki
 
November 5, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - Southern Oregon has the second largest homeless youth population in the state, and now they are being forced to brave the wet weather.
 
Many homeless teens spend their day at Hawthorne Park in Medford. There they trade and sell things they can live without for other things they need. This time of year, teens try to get waterproof sleeping bags, tents, coats, and socks to keep warm.
 
"If it's like an actual working camp, we'd have a tent set up or a couple, depending on how many people are here with everything inside, and hopefully no trash around," 17-year-old William Hughes said.
 
A fundraising event is being held Thursday night by Hearts with a Mission for its new homeless youth shelter.
Kids have not moved in yet, but they should be able to in the next few weeks.