We’re updating this page as new stories and information comes in. Our program staff are working on the front lines with youth and families experiencing homelessness and crises, especially as COVID-19 forces them into a new and more challenging way of life.
4.3.20
3.27.20
Staff from our Safe Youth Projects are using an app with students in their program that allows them to read books based on their reading level. Staff read with them via phone call, taking turns and then give them reading comprehension questions, which they write down and send back with a photo.
Staff from Second Story in the Community are working in a variety of ways to support people in the community suffering from the economic impacts of COVID-19. They are coordinating food distribution, referring families to clinics and unemployment assistance, keeping in touch with youth, sending education materials to youth, distributing baby formula, translating documents, and connecting families to other important resources.
Second Story for Homeless Youth Case Managers are delivering food and other resources to their clients. Many of them have been laid off or have had their hours cut, while a couple of them are working extra at grocery stores. They reached out to us to say they were very thankful for the support.
3.26.20
Families in the communities our Family Resource Centers serve have been especially hard hit by the virus. We’re doing what we can to give them resource and help meet other needs. Two women specifically stood out to our staff:
“Ms. Ruiz” is a single mother of four kids and works as a housekeeper. Since the pandemic started she has not been able to go to work or get paid. This leaves her unable to provide for her family. We have been saving donations for her at the center. She comes to pick up food and other resources to help she and her family through this hard time.
“Ms. Elena” is a single mother and has two kids, one of them whom comes to the teen center. She lost her job at a hotel as a result of the pandemic and she’s been unable to pay for her rent or provide for she and her children’s basic needs. Staff spoke to her over the phone while working from home and helped her get unemployment insurance so that she can receive support to pay rent and support her family.
3.24.20
Thanks to wonderful donors, Second Story for Young Mothers gifted all of the young mothers with a care package including cleaning supplies, paper towel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, laundry detergent, medicine for themselves and their child in case they get sick. We also received a generous donation for Grubhub and provided dinner for the young women. Many of them have their hours being cut, or are being laid off due to COVID-19, and are now more vulnerable than ever and rely on us for support and resources. One young woman named Amanda was especially thankful. “You have no idea the smile that you put on my face because of your very generous donation!! Times are really hard for me and my son right now and you truly came at the perfect time! Again, thank you so much!”