YouthCare, the Seattle nonprofit dedicated to providing services and emergency shelter to young homeless people and operator of the Orion Center at the base of Denny below Capitol Hill, has been selected by the state to begin feasibility planning for operating a similar navigation center at Broadway and Pine.
YouthCare CEO Melinda Giovengo announced the selection Thursday:
YouthCare is very honored to have been selected by the Office of Homeless Youth for the opportunity to bring transformative services for homeless young people to the corner of Broadway and Pine. Over the next six to nine months, we’ll be focused on exploring the feasibility and design of an education and employment focused Opportunity Center for homeless and unstably housed young people, at this location. Additionally, we will be collaborating with Capitol Hill Housing to plan for affordable housing units as part of the project. As we work to end youth homelessness, it is essential to provide opportunities for young people to be empowered, gain skills, and achieve their potential. We are excited for this next phase of exploring what is possible. This project is separate from YouthCare’s existing Orion Center, where we will continue to operate a Navigation Center for homeless young people, focused on emergency shelter, meals, clothing, and other critical daily services and supplies. We look forward to being an enthusiastic neighbor on Capitol Hill and supporting the vibrancy of the community.