Ottawa street youth reacted to news of a gang-linked teenage prostitution ring in the capital region.

Two 17 year-old homeless girls recounted their painful stories of life on the streets Thursday evening.

"Just picture a kitten, trying to get some air but they can't because there's no hole that they can get out, they're too young they don't know," said the first.

Like many young homeless women, she admitted she's vulnerable living on her own. "I can't really help myself, look at me. Do I look like I could fight something? You know, you just kind of put up with it."

"At first I felt like I was invincible or something," said the other. "I know I'm not now. I almost got raped. People were saying it was a disgrace when I was screaming and stuff. No one helped me."

Youth workers in Ottawa said a range of programs exists to help teens living on the streets. Among the many organizations offering services to youth at risk are Operation Go Home, the Youth Services Bureau, the City of Ottawa and the Elizabeth Fry Society. Many rural communities also offer programs to keep young people involved in school and at home with their families.

Michelle Jackson-Brown, a youth worker with Operation Go Home, said young people face barriers most would not even imagine facing.

"They don't know where they are going to sleep at the end of the day, they don't know what they're going to eat for breakfast, basic health, they don't have access to doctors," she said.

Operation Go Home offers youth help with basic needs, clothing and food, while the City of Ottawa has programs to help them find employment, housing and health care.

Police have appealed for more victims of the alleged teen prostitution ring to come forward.

On Thursday, two suspects appeared in Gatineau court charged with a range of offences.

Laura Emerson, 28, faced 13 offences, including procuring three teenaged girls for the purposes of prostitution, forcible confinement and assault.

Her boyfriend, 33 year-old Gordon Kingsbury was charged with sexual assault and breach of probation.

Emerson and Kingsbury are in custody and will reappear in court August 12.

With a live interview featuring Max Keeping and Michelle Jackson-Brown, a youth worker with Operation Go Home.