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In September, the Cyrus Centre, the only youth shelter between Surrey and the B.C. Interior, turned away 41 kids, said Les Talvio, the centre’s executive director.

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Willow James arrived at the youth shelter, for kids aged 13 to 18, three weeks ago and managed to get a bed. “There were family problems at home,” she said. “It wasn’t safe to stay.”

Eighteen-year-old James (her name has been changed to protect her identity) was staying at the Cyrus Centre while her social worker tried to find her a place in a group home.

But she has met several teens who haven’t connected with the Ministry of Children and Family Development and have spent nights outside. “They don’t talk about it much,” she said.

Homeless teens are often called the “hidden homeless” for their ability to blend in with their peers at school or at the mall.

Youth have been found in some of the Lower Mainland’s homeless camps as well, said Talvio.