On any given day, there are hundreds of youth experiencing homelessness in the Kirkland community. The reasons are myriad: drug or alcohol addiction, physical abuse, human trafficking, or oftentimes persecution of a particular lifestyle or race.
Whether these things are happening to the individuals themselves or to their family members, there are many complex circumstances that can leave a young person feeling hopeless, lost and scared.
Luckily, there is a beacon of light around the local corner—Friends of Youth.
“At Friends of Youth, our dedicated outreach team works directly in the streets and community to engage with clients, focusing on building relationships and trust,” says Moe Nyang, Senior Director of Homeless Youth Services. “They conduct needs assessments and connect clients to our programs and services.”
With more than 180 staff members, including mental health counselors, medical professionals, case managers, and educational and employment specialists, Friends of Youth offers a range of services to young residents facing circumstances of homelessness, foster care and behavioral health challenges.
Of particular note, over the past few years they revolutionized the whole concept of a youth overnight emergency shelter for those 18 to 24 years old.
In January 2024, the nonprofit organization, which has been operating in King County since 1951, opened the doors to Willows Youth Services Center in Kirkland. With 35 private beds and a bevy of on-site professionals waiting to support, it acts as a home for unsheltered youth to start making a significant transition in their lives, no matter what brought them there.
“We operate a 24/7 shelter and drop-in services at The Willows, offering holistic support that includes case management, meals, hygiene services, and a safe space for young people,” says Nyang. It also provides showers and laundry services, even for those not staying the night.
The local shelter is one of a kind in the area and now serves as a critical resource for those who need it during one of the most delicate parts of life.
“For many youth, their brains are still developing, and it is a crucial time for them to be supported by their community,” says Eileen Schuetz, Director of Philanthropy. “We provide basic resources, like shelter and food, but also create a community for a young person.”
The organization has received an outpouring of support from the community since opening the shelter, through both funding and volunteers, and Nyang says it makes a huge difference. He encourages anyone interested to donate, serve a meal, or simply sit and listen to the kids’ stories and guide them through mentorship.
He also just wants to spread awareness about the challenging situations these young kids face and to stop some of the stigmas.
“Homelessness is not a choice for them—it is the result of circumstances beyond their control,” he says. “Youth experiencing homelessness are striving every day to achieve stable housing and are actively working toward meaningful goals.”
While Willows Youth Services Center is their most recent and ground-breaking endeavor, Friends of Youth has other shelters and services for younger kids experiencing homeless (between 7 and 17) and their families.
They also provide resources so that when the kids leave the shelter they have options for affordable housing and a path forward.
“We offer comprehensive life skills training, equipping them with the tools needed to develop independence and succeed in their journey toward stability,” says Nyang.
For more information or to get involved, please visit friendsofyouth.org.