Street Outreach Program
The Street Outreach Program is the newest component of the HOST Youth & Family Program having just recently begun operations in February of 2011.
The program provides street-based outreach to homeless youth ages 11-24 distributing snacks, water, hygiene items, socks, first aid items, and other basic supplies, as well as information on safety and available services.
Outreach workers connect with homeless youth seven evenings-per-week where they typically congregate in downtown Salem, with the objective of building trust and persuading youth to access the program's drop-in center.
The drop-in center is adjacent to HOST's main shelter and provides an evening meal, showers, telephone and computer access, and overnight shelter. (Access to laundry facilities is underway). Youth may also choose to link to other services including case management, counseling, and life skills training with the ultimate objective of helping youth leave the streets permanently.
If you are interested in helping Northwest Human Services and the HOST Youth & Family Program serve more runaway and homeless youth, please see our "How You Can Help" page.
