Youth Homelessness

“I Would Walk Through the School Hallways With My Head Down”: Lika’s Story

High school student Lika (right) told teacher Lynette Finau what it's like to attend school while living in a shelter in a StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" conversation. Image credit: StoryCorps

As the weather cools and children start heading back to school, my mind turns to the students who don't have homes in which to do their homework. In a moving StoryCorps conversation, one teenage student talks about what it's like to attend school while living in a shelter.

No Family to Turn to: After Foster Care, Many Youth Face Homelessness

AmeriCorps members, YMCA staff, and participants in the YMCA Member Ambassador Committee pose for a mid-hike photo at Washington Park Arboretum. Pictured left to right: Marja Morgan, Katie Swanson, Parisa Ghebleh, Kevin Hale, Rosie Cullen, Peter Benson, and Samuel Seguido. Photo courtesy Marja Morgan.

Marja Morgan helps young people who have aged out of foster care get assistance with their housing, employment, and education needs. We invited Marja to write about her work with the YMCA of Greater Seattle's Independent Living Program, as well as the reasons that people who were once in foster care are at greater risk of experiencing homelessness. Marja also writes about a chance encounter with a globetrotting woman who prompted her to reflect on her own vulnerability to homelessness.

The Voices Behind the Numbers

In the newest StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" story, Taylor Henson tells his friend Chelsea Lindquist about his family's experience with homelessness. Voices like Taylor's motivate our staff to advocate for policies that will help end homelessness.

32,494. That’s the number of homeless students in Washington. Taylor Henson is the voice. After Taylor’s mom left the military, their family ended up homeless. Listen to Taylor describe the stress and depression that he faced as a homeless student, and the life-changing joy that he found in photography. Then read what you can do to help create opportunities for families to live in safe, affordable homes.

I’m an Advocate: Betty Jimerson

YWCA Seattle I King I Snohomish staff were joined by representatives from the Gates Foundation and Mayor Murray's office for the Jan. 22 One Night Count. Photo courtesy Erin Murphy.

Our YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish colleague Betty Jimerson is an energetic advocate who shares her personal story of family homelessness in order to help others. Read how activities like volunteering with the One Night Count, passing out sandwiches in downtown Seattle, and testifying in Olympia fit into her definition of advocacy.

Policy Matters: One in 33 Students is Homeless — At Least, That’s How Many Have Been Identified

Stephanie Heffner (left) interviewed Dinah Ladd about her job identifying and helping homeless students. Dinah is one of only two homeless education liaisons serving more than 2,100 homeless students in Seattle Public Schools. Image credit: StoryCorps

How can you tell a student is experiencing homelessness? There are a number of often-subtle clues, explains Dinah Ladd in the newest interview to come out of the StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" project.

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