Member Highlight: YMCA Accelerator
HDC appreciates all the passion, hard work, and dedication our members devote to the affordable housing movement. No single organization could make this impact and secure this progress alone. The collaboration and connection among members is the human energy that works to ensure all people have a safe, healthy, and affordable home. We want to show our appreciation and learn more about our affordable housing community through these member highlights as each member is crucial to achieving the larger vision of this movement. This week our featured member is YMCA Accelerator. Thank you for all the work that you do!
1. What excites your team about the work you are doing?
Accelerator Y’s team is excited by the expansion of King County’s Host Homes program, which connects young adults who are experiencing homelessness with caring adults in the community who are willing to open up there room for 6 months. The program is growing, and we’ve had many successful matches that have led to more than just stable housing. One great example is a young woman who was matched with a host who shared a love for animals. The host connected the young woman with her friend who is a Veterinarian for a job shadow opportunity. Fast forward to today, and young woman is now employed by the Vet’s office!
2. What is a favorite office anecdote?
Every week, our team gathers around the “Huddle Board” to discuss participants that are co-enrolled in programs across Accelerator Y. This quick check-in every week provides case managers with a chance to set up a game plan with their peers to better serve young people in our community. Huddle is a great time for staff to get to know their peers and to learn from each other! And of course, bringing snacks to huddle is strongly encouraged J
3. What upcoming projects, partnerships, and news are you looking forward to?
Accelerator Y is part of the Youth Housing Demonstration Program and has added a few new innovative roles to the team to help better serve youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. This includes the expansion of crisis services to young adults, the addition of an adolescent and family therapist, housing navigators, and peer mentors to support young people who may be on the brink of homelessness and can be diverted through these services. We look forward to serving many more young people through these unique positions.
4. What have you been most proud of during your time as an HDC member?
We joined just this spring, but were proud to join other HDC members in supporting the effort to use hotel/motel taxes for affordable housing and youth homeless services.
