Former gang member describes Hope for Homies outreach and social-enterprise model to council

Lynnwood — Jose "Niners," executive director and founder of Hope for Homies, told the council on May 21 that his nonprofit delivers trauma-informed services and social-enterprise work opportunities for youth and adults affected by gang involvement and reentry.

Niners described his personal background — including long-term incarceration and subsequent community work — to explain why his group focuses on sustained, culturally informed services rather than short-term interventions. "If young people don't feel part of the village, they will burn it down to feel its warmth," he said during the presentation.

Why it matters: Hope for Homies provides direct services in Snohomish and King counties and runs several earned-revenue businesses the group said help fund programs and create jobs for participants.

Key program elements described - Healing-centered services: The organization offers drop-in support, trauma work, peer mentoring and cultural programs aimed at social-emotional development. - Social-enterprise jobs: Programs named in the presentation include Hustle of Dreams (t-shirt production), Steady Assistance (junk-removal and house clean-out services), funeral removals and Still Wild (medicinal plant products) that provide paid work and job-readiness training. - Holistic “Homie plans”: Staff work with participants on individualized goal-setting that can include driver's-license support, parenting and recovery coach classes. - Specialized offerings and partnerships: The group described programs such as "Hoods in the Woods" (outdoor exposure for youth), tattoo removal, and a LEAD pilot in partnership with the Tulalip Tribe; Hope for Homies also said it partners with Volunteers of America and local ministries on food and support services.

Funding and sustainability Niners said Hope for Homies supplements grants and contracts with revenue from its businesses to reduce dependence on unstable grant cycles. He cited recent philanthropic support through the Community Foundation of Snohomish County and other donors; specific multi-year funding levels were not provided at the presentation.

Council reaction and next steps Council members offered condolences after Niners said his organization had recently lost young people the group served and praised his focus on community-based, trust-building approaches. Members asked about partnerships, program scale and how youth are recruited; Niners said programs are tailored and often involve adult reentry staff as mentors.

Ending note The council thanked Hope for Homies for the presentation and said staff would follow up with information on possible city partnerships and event promotion; Niners circulated event information and business cards for community outreach.