At Hosea, we believe in meeting every young person where they are, and helping them find a path forward. Unlike many organizations that must choose between working to break down barriers to independence or offering comfort and support in the present moment, we’re committed to doing both.
For many of our young guests, a future filled with health and purpose is within reach, and our team is here to guide them on that journey. Yet, some face challenges so profound that self-sufficiency may never be possible. For these youth, Hosea remains a place of unwavering support, dignity, and hope – a refuge in a world that often overlooks them.
So far this year, we have welcomed nearly 700 different young people into our Resource Center. In 2023, we served 620 different guests. In 2022, 500 and in 2021, 450. From our perspective, the crisis of homeless young people is not going away anytime soon. Of the 700 so far this year, 300 are new to us.
Approximately one-third of the 700 youth we encounter actively strive for change. These young people are motivated, eager to learn, follow through on tasks, and have a real chance at building a self-sufficient future. Another third possess the potential to move forward but remain entangled in addiction or feel temporarily comfortable with their current circumstances. They don’t yet identify as chronically homeless, yet the steps to lasting change seem just out of reach.
The final third faces challenges that may keep self-sufficiency out of reach. For them, the weight of trauma, persistent addiction, or severe mental health struggles create barriers that, without profound support, could mean a life spent on the streets, an early passing, or time in institutional care.
Terry, (assumed name and pronouns they/them), showed up several months ago and was clearly motivated. We moved them into one of our pallet shelters, they found a job and started saving for their own place. They are now renting a room from one of our volunteers and continuing to move forward. They are clearly part of the first 1/3.
Angel, (assumed name), recently shared, “You have literally saved my life. When I showed up two years ago, I was sure I was going to kill myself. You have shown me what love is, and I am very grateful”. She is very capable, but is having a hard time breaking out of the homeless lifestyle. She is part of the second 1/3.
And Tony, (assumed name), we recently had to kick out for two weeks due to stealing. Not too long ago, we had to call the paramedics because he had a reaction to drug use. Tony struggles with mental illness and it’s very difficult to have a clear conversation with him. He is part of the final 1/3.
Each of the young people who enter our space are worthy of love, respect and care, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum. We certainly hope that each of our guests will move forward and someday be able to take care of themselves, but the reality is that many will not. So, while they are of the age when they can access our services (16 – 24), we’ll do all we can to meet their needs and assist each in any way we can.
As we have increased hours, increased staff and increased our services, our budget has increased as well. Will you please consider partnering with us in serving our young homeless community? The overwhelming majority haven’t chosen this lifestyle, they were born into appalling conditions and are doing their very best to survive. May we all come alongside and provide the love, care and assistance they need, regardless how their lives turnout, and know that we have done all we can.
