Youth homelessness on the rise in Ind.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Indiana Youth Institute released a report Wednesday that shows during a two year period, Hoosier public schools saw a 12% increase in the number of homeless children.

The institute released its data at its annual conference for organizations that serve young people.

One of those organizations is Outreach Incorporated . The non-profit helps homeless youth aged 14 to 24. On Wednesday, 24-Hour News 8 rode along with street outreach worker, Johnny Teater.

A view through the window of Teater's world is revealing, disheartening, inspiring. He's a street outreach worker.

"I used to be one of these kids. I was dealing drugs, and hanging out on the streets when I was 15, 16 years old," said Teater.

He turned his life around with the help of Christian outreach workers, and soon he became one of them.

Teater's first stop for the day was at the central library, a warm haven for some homeless Hoosiers on cold and rainy days. Johnny walks the quiet corridors - looking for someone to help. Soon he finds Tasha - a 24-year-old kicked out of her home at age 18. Outreach has helped her before.

"They give me showers if I need it. They give me clothing if I need it, food if I need it, water if I need it," said Tasha.

Ultimately the outreach workers hope to help Tasha get her GED, a job, and a place to live.

Right now Tasha and her boyfriend sleep beneath bridges, wooded areas, and shelters. Teater took 24-Hour News 8 to an area beneath a bridge near downtown. The area is strewn with clothes, bottles, and backpacks. But where Teater sees homeless, he sees an opportunity for hope.

"When I see a kid reach their goals - whether its because of me or anybody else - it brings tears to my eyes," said Teater.