2020 Annual Report

You’ve made a difference for kids, teens, and young adults.
Every year, runaway and homeless kids and youth in our community face some of the most trying
challenges. From living on the streets or in an abandoned building to couch surfing to facing teen
pregnancy or the threat of sex trafficking, youth in crisis endure seemingly endless obstacles.
COVID-19 only exacerbated these challenges by closing shelters, food pantries, transportation, and
other important services that kids and youth rely on to stay healthy and safe.
The pandemic forced the closure of the Street Outreach drop-in centers, but the team continued
efforts over social media, text, phone, and email. They delivered food, hygiene products, and other
supplies to youth, and, when it was safe, offered transportation to critical appointments. The team
also setup monthly activity kits with video instructions on social media to keep youth engaged.
The Safe Harbour program staff continued to identify and intervene with commercially sexually
exploited youth and those at risk of trafficking. Staff worked to find safe and meaningful ways to
connect with victims and help them take the next step toward healing.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter remained open with additional screenings and staff
working 24-hour shifts to keep youth and staff safe, including additional screenings. We extended
the limit for youth that needed additional time at the shelter and staff worked to accept any youth in
need to focus on their social and emotional health.
Despite so many challenges, ten youth moved into our new
Supportive Housing apartments and began their journey to selfsufficiency.