HomePlate Youth Services

OUR MISSION:

Founded in 2005, HomePlate supports the positive development of young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability through community building, education, access to services and resources, and youth empowerment.  HomePlate envisions communities where homelessness is a short-term circumstance, not a long term or chronic condition, and youth are supported in their communities.

OUR YOUTH:

In 2018, 2,663 students were identified as homeless in Washington County. Of those, over 552 were students not in the custody of a parent or guardian. These shocking numbers are up from the previous year. In response to this need, HomePlate meets youth where they are and connects them supportive resources and a community of caring people. Last year, HomePlate saw 524 youth and served 7,392 meals – which has been made possible by 403 volunteers and 13 staff members.

OUR PROGRAMS:

Drop-In – Four nights each week, HomePlate youth, staff, and volunteers come together in a community space to share a meal.  Our drop-in centers serve as safe, supportive places where youth can come to make connections, receive clothing, hygiene, and other material resources and referrals for housing, educational, and employment support. 

Outreach program – HomePlate staff and volunteers venture out into the community – to schools, libraries, transit centers, and skate parks – to meet youth where they are and inform them of HomePlate’s resources.  We are currently training volunteer outreach workers to join our staff so that we can extend our reach into different areas of the county.   

Youth Employment – Some of our youth are looking for employment but lack the experience to be hired for their first job. We provide employment mentoring, resume assistance, and help with filling out job applications.

In 2013, HomePlate launched our first Youth Employment Program (YEP) to empower youth and build transferable skills in a supportive work environment.  Sit-n-Stay Dog Sitting Service and HomePerk – a coffee service program – are our hands-on, paid employment training programs for youth.  Starting in 2018 under the guidance of professional artist volunteers, youth sanded, gessoed and painted each house. Youth worked in small groups in shifts of three hours.  Launching this project has truly taken a village of passionate volunteers and supporters, and the results are beautiful! The youth love the opportunity to create something special and get paid for their work. 

Activities – HomePlate has a dedicated staff member to connect youth with enrichment opportunities in our drop-in space and out in the local community.  These opportunities make accessing resources easier and more fun – recent programs included a health careers information session, recreational sports, and a photography class.  Outside programming, like our annual coast trip and bringing youth to a Portland Timbers game, allows youth to try new things and involve themselves in their community.

EQUITY STATEMENT

HomePlate is committed to preserving the dignity, humanity, and uniqueness of each youth that we work with on their path to stability.  The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability) team works on supporting HomePlate to become a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization.  The team is currently made up of staff, volunteers, youth and a board member.  Our current projects include all-staff equity trainings as well as refining our equity statement.

OUR FUTURE:

All of these amazing projects need financial and community support.  Please donate today to help us provide more necessary resources to youth in transition.