YES House provides more than shelter

THE DALLES — Every day at the YES House, a 24/7 shelter serving homeless or at-risk youth in the Gorge, turns out a little different.

The nonprofit helps youth who live here, but also youth who pass through, running from homes in other cities or even other states. Their doors never close, even for holidays. They run transitional housing as well, plus other programs for youth.

While Associate Director Mary Gabriel was careful to say the Youth Empowerment Shelter is no replacement for a caring family, staff celebrate milestones like birthdays and graduation. It’s a homelike place with art on the walls and a light-filled kitchen.

“I’ve worked for a couple different organizations, and I worked with youth in a lot of capacities, but there’s just something about YES that is very special,” Gabriel said. “We all kind of are hands-on and making sure the shelter runs, so we all have shifts at some point. But even if you have a hard shift, you just realize, ‘Oh, where would these youth be if YES didn’t exist?”

The nonprofit began in 2014, the shelter opened two years later. More programs followed.

“Our shelter has a 10 bed capacity. We are constantly balancing the needs of our current youth with those being referred to make sure we are able to meet everyone’s needs.” On average, they host 4 to 7 youth at any given time. “We usually see the highest demand during the fall and winter months, sometimes even running a waitlist,” Gabriel said.

Who can get help, and how

Youth ages 10-17 (with occasional exceptions for 18- to 19-year-olds) can stay there voluntarily. They need a guardian’s permission, but for youth in a truly dangerous family situation, law enforcement could be contacted first in an effort to avoid unsafe situations.

“We have 10 beds, but it would take a lot for us to get to 10 beds, because every youth coming to us has different needs, and we are a small organization,” she said.

Youth are encouraged to be in school or other educational work; they get referrals to medical, dental, or counseling if needed.

YES supports youth in transitioning to a naturally identified home-share arrangement with a safe person. If they have nowhere else to go, their shelter stay can be extended. Youth have stayed for a day, and for almost two years. The average is 45 days.

“I would say YES does a really good job of being there for youth when they need it,” she said, but also, “... I think there is a need for a higher level of care.” She sees potential need for a long-term group home and more transitional housing, in addition to the program run by YES.

Through this pathway, youth ages 17-24 can live for up to two years, paying $500 for a room and all utilities. They meet weekly with a case manager and must show they are working on a path toward full independence.

For a small organization, though, expanding the shelter would be a big project.

Other programs include art classes with Yvonne Pepin Wakefield, and staff are working on a community violence intervention program to talk about firearm violence.

“YES is a drug, alcohol and tobacco free space, but using substances doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get help here. YES can provide housing while assisting with recovery supports such as referrals to treatment centers,” Gabriel said.

Over 50% of youth refer themselves. Parents, other organizations, or law enforcement who find a youth in need can contact the shelter for someone. The youth go through a screening process to make sure they’re eligible and safe to be there for a 72-hour crisis placement.

“We have a lot of kids that come that say, ‘Oh, my friend told me about space,’ and then they know where to go,” Gabriel added.

Funding for YES is varied, including state grants and contracts, foundation grants, and giving from the local community in the form of fundraisers, monthly donors, and one time gifts, all of which are critical for continued operation and programming. YES has seen small reductions to some state contracts and has one federal grant set to end this year without opportunity for renewal,” said Executive Director Livia Christensen

How to get in touch

The best way for someone to contact YES is by calling 541-769-0262 or by visiting www.yeshelter.org.

Youth or parents are encouraged to come ask questions, even if they don’t need the shelter at this time, but think they someday might.

For youth who struggle with anything and want to learn what program, or referral, they might need, Wasco County’s Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is be a good contact, Gabriel said. The MARC is located at 606 Court St., The Dalles, with no appointment needed; contacts 541-506-2664, MARC@wascocountyor.gov; information at www.wascocountyor.gov/departments/youth_services/multi-agency_resource_center_(marc).php.