For the Reporter
Young people in South King County who struggle to find safety and stability will get a sense of hope and critical support, thanks to new state funding.
Auburn Youth Resources (AYR) plans to highly elevate their homeless youth street outreach program that is already on the ground, connecting with hundreds of struggling youth.
The Office of Homeless Youth awarded $2.5 million to local agencies throughout the state to provide critical services for at-risk and homeless youth. Grant awardees will provide important services, including emergency housing and rental assistance, crisis intervention services, outreach to connect homeless youth with resources such as drug and alcohol treatment, and other assistance to young adults age 18 through 24 in communities throughout Washington state.
As a youth-focused provider of Street Outreach services in South King County, AYR serves a large geographic area, spanning from Renton, south to Federal Way, and everywhere between.
Because AYR’s target population (homeless, at-risk, and disconnected youth) does not have reliable access to transportation and youth may be isolated in their individual communities, it is paramount that AYR go to them.
The additional grant funds will allow an AYR team to reach these youth, build relationships, and connect them directly to services they desperately need, like housing, case management, and behavioral health resources.
“We know that any journey out of homelessness starts with the building of a trusting relationship; these dollars are vital to ensuring that isolated youth will continue to have someone to call,” said Sarah Christiansen, director of Residential and Homeless Services at AYR.
The Office of Homeless Youth was created in the Department of Commerce by the Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Act in 2015. A 12-member advisory committee consisting of 8 governor-appointed members and four state legislators guide the office work.
Since 1973, AYR has been providing services for the low-income and under-served children, youth and families of South King and North Pierce Counties. AYR is an established regional provider of mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, homeless services, and believes that every young person should be given the opportunity to grow and progress to their fullest potential.
Learn more at www.ayr4kids.org.
