Jackson Street Youth Services expands outreach to combat youth homelessness in Oregon

Jackson Street Youth Services is making waves in the fight against youth homelessness in Oregon, particularly in Lynn and Benton Counties. During the 2023-2024 school year, Lynn County reported the sixth highest percentage of students experiencing homelessness in the state, with over 10% of the central Lynn School District's enrollment identified as unhoused.

Thanks to the Youth Employment Program (YEP) grant funding, Jackson Street has dramatically expanded its outreach efforts, covering over 4,000 square miles and establishing 37 pop-up drop-in sites. Their innovative engagement strategies, such as hosting skate park events in rural towns like Lebanon and Sweet Home, have successfully connected vulnerable youth with essential services.

However, the future of these vital programs hangs in the balance. The one-time funding from 2023 is set to expire on June 30, 2025, putting 75% of Jackson Street's service funding and 70% of its staff at risk. While YEP has made significant strides, it represents just one piece of a larger puzzle addressing youth homelessness in Oregon.

The youth homelessness continuum in the state includes various services, from prevention to long-term stabilization. While YEP focuses on immediate needs like shelter and case management, other state agencies, such as the Department of Education's McKinney-Vento program, play crucial roles in ensuring educational access for homeless youth.

A 2021 statewide assessment of Oregon's youth homelessness system highlighted existing gaps and outlined necessary resources to strengthen support for at-risk youth. As discussions continue, the urgency for additional investment in programs like Jackson Street's becomes increasingly clear, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle youth homelessness effectively.