Beyond Homelessness: A Conversation with Home Plate Youth Services

Get Ready for an Inspiring Episode of “Breaking Down I.T. with Steve!”

We took our microphones out of the studio and into the heart of HomePlate in Washington County, Oregon. Join us as we talk with Executive Director Dorian and Development Coordinator Jaycie about their profound impact on young lives.

Home Plate Youth, based in Beaverton, is a beacon of hope for young people (12-24) experiencing homelessness and housing instability. This incredible organization meets these young individuals where they are, building trusting relationships and co-creating paths to stability. Their work focuses on early intervention to prevent long-term chronic homelessness.

Listen here:

Youtube:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SJSCq0wPRwD0LgQx1mFUR…

What They Do:

• Street Outreach: Connecting with youth in need directly on the streets.
• Drop-In Services: Providing essential resources and support at their centers in Hillsboro and Beaverton.
• Education, Employment, and Housing Programs: Offering pathways to a stable future.

The Challenges:

Dorian and Jaycie shed light on the significant social and economic challenges these young people face, including the rising cost of living and housing. Unexpected issues like job loss or educational disruptions due to unstable home environments also play a role. The diverse nature of Washington County, from rural to urban settings, presents unique hurdles.

Defining Success:

For Home Plate Youth, success is defined by the youth themselves. Their goal is to ensure that every young person they serve is safe, healthy, and stably housed. Aasio’s story exemplifies this: Home Plate helped him and his young family find stable housing and supported his GED and career aspirations. [07:02]

Key Programs and Services:

• Street Outreach: [11:00]
• Drop-In Centers: Located in Hillsboro and Beaverton, offering basic needs and support. [11:00]
• Education and Employment Programs: [11:00]
• Housing Program: Supported by the Supportive Housing Services measure, providing both housing and wraparound support. [12:44]

Community Involvement:

Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Donate: homeplateyouth.org/donate
• Stay connected: linktr.ee/homeplateyouthservices
• Spread the word!
• Volunteer your time or resources.
• Consider financial donations, including monthly sustaining contributions. [17:01, 18:36] (Material needs often change with the weather [17:54])

#podcast #CommunityImpact #youthservices #oregonnonprofits #homelessnessawareness