HomePlate (12-10-17)

There are 2,202 homeless students in Washington county – of those, 406 are unaccompanied youth.

In 2004, community partners came together to discuss the increasing number of young people without homes in Washington County. Police officers were picking up youth with no addresses, teachers were learning of more and more ‘couch surfers’ and social services were seeing younger people, who were intimidated by a system designed for adults, and the faith community wanted to help, but didn’t know the best method. Portland has a well developed system of services, but these are designed for a more street-acculturated, urban, not suburban youth – plus it was too far for many to travel.

Home Plate is a free, safe space where youth can build supportive relationships with adults, access on-site resources, and gain referrals to other services which are often difficult to navigate.

Many youth seen at HomePlate don’t appear any different than your children, family members, or friends. They are striving to survive, while also maintaining their social ties, dignity, and outward appearance as a ‘normal’ youth. Others are working, going to school, or raising families. And some are living with physical or mental challenges, addiction, legal histories, and negative family influences. They are all unique.

Come hear the lived experiences of these youth and the staff members of HomePlate who work with them.