Secret of 'Sofa Surfing' Homeless Teens Goes Public

But they are difficult to find because most do not live on the streets or shelters or gather in a central spot like in many major cities, said Harriet Boorhem, Promise House's president and executive director. She said the agency wants to get the word out that help is available.

The ads will appear throughout November, which has been designated as National Runaway Prevention Month. Many homeless teens have either run away or been kicked out of their homes, officials said.

Others have aged out of the foster-care system. Up to 40 percent of the runaway population are lesbian or gay youth who have been kicked out because of their sexual orientation. And 5 percent of runaways are teen parents who have a child with them, according to Promise House.

The sofa-surfing campaign should not be confused with couch surfing, a term used by travelers who coordinate accommodations in other residents' homes, Dr. Boorhem said.

"Sofa surfing is not fun," she said. "It's all about survival, not travel."

Mayor Tom Leppert, who spoke at the campaign kickoff, said the city needs more solutions for homeless teens.

"They're dangerously vulnerable to exploitation, injury or even death," he said, adding that adult shelters are not appropriate for them. "Without intervention, they'll become the next generation of chronic homeless."

In addition to unveiling the ad campaign, Promise House officials announced that Dallas fire stations will take part in Safe Place. Teens can go to sites in the program, including libraries and police stations, for help.

Two weeks ago, Promise House (www.promisehouse.org) became home to 16-year-old Jerica, who asked that her full name not be published. She said she brought her 10-month-old daughter to the shelter because she was having arguments with her mother.