What is Referendum 88? Referendum 88 will decide the fate of Initiative 1000 (see below), a ballot initiative approved by the legislature last year. An “approve” vote on Referendum 88 will enable I-1000 to move forward; a “reject” vote will block it from becoming law. What is Initiative 1000? Initiative 1000 would reverse a statewide… Read More of “Approve Referendum 88”
What would I-976 do? I-976 would significantly restrict our state’s capacity to generate revenue for transportation. Among other reforms, the initiative would limit car tab fees to $30 per year and repeal cities’ authority to levy additional fees through Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs)—the primary means by which 62 cities across the state fund local transportation… Read More of “YouthCare Opposes Initiative 976”
This month, YouthCare welcomed volunteers from organizations around the community for their dedicated ‘Days of Caring’. Volunteers from Expedia showed up in full force to spruce up two of YouthCare’s community living programs. These volunteers deep cleaned the kitchens, which are focal points of community building for youth who call these spaces home. After completing… Read More of “YouthCare Welcomes Volunteers for Annual “Days of Caring””
Under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), any person under the age of 18 who performs a commercial sex act is considered a victim of human trafficking, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion. Washington State is currently in violation of federal law: the state continues to arrest and charge minors for prostitution, even though… Read More of “Washington State Must Help, Not Arrest Sex Trafficked, Homeless Minors”
It’s Thankful Thursday and we’re so grateful for our wonderful partnership with Bishops Barbershop on Capitol Hill! Every other month, our young people in program get so excited to make the trip up the hill to a cool spot, sit in a shiny black chair, and for a few moments, slip away into the leisure… Read More of “Haircuts with Heart: YouthCare Partners with Bishops on Capitol Hill”
When President Trump took office in 2016, YouthCare braced for a challenging four years. But racist and hateful policies rocked YouthCare immediately: it was clear from the start that immigrants and those who are new to this country—particularly people of color—were Trump’s key scapegoats and the primary targets of cruel policy. Since that time, the… Read More of “YouthCare Condemns Racist and Inhumane Federal Policies”
For a few hours every third Thursday of the month, a small space at the back of YouthCare’s Orion Center transforms. A few rows of chairs are casually spread out. The lights drop low, leaving only the golden glow of string lights to illuminate the space. A mic stands tall. It’s a treasured moment where… Read More of “Open Mic Night: A Supportive Space for Youth to Create and Inspire”
Last Thursday was a night to remember. YouthCare hosted its annual prom, where young people experiencing homelessness could dance the night away and feel the privilege of, well, simply being young. Unabashed joy. Play. A first dance. The excitement of supporting a young trans woman show up in the world authentically in a dress for… Read More of “A Prom of Our Own: YouthCare’s Annual Prom Night Goes ’90s!”
Yesterday evening, YouthCare held its annual Art & Appreciation Night, hosted generously by our partners (and amazing Orion Center neighbors), Marriott Hill SpringSuites! It was a night filled with reflections, laughter, and mingling with community members. We had a great time honoring our volunteers, board members, staff, and donors, and learning about how YouthCare’s amazing art… Read More of “YouthCare Celebrates Supporters & Youth Art Programs at Annual Art & Appreciation Night”
This past Friday, King County released their 2019 Point-In-Time Count, including the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. For the first time in recent years, the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness dropped significantly: 1,498 in 2017 to 1,089 in 2019. Physically counting people sleeping outside is an imperfect methodology, and… Read More of “YouthCare Responds to 2019 Count Us In Results”
