Youth Connections says $11 million-plus coming to Shelton to fund transitional housing remodel

During public comment on Feb. 17, Susan Kershaw of Youth Connections told the council that the organization has secured multiple funding sources to support a remodel of its facility and a 12‑unit transitional housing program. "The total project investment that's coming into Shelton, our city, is just over $11,000,000," Kershaw said.

Kershaw said the award package includes a CHIP grant approved by the council and an additional $2 million award obtained through Senator Patty Murray's office via the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (as described in the public comment). She said Youth Connections employs 17 people locally and that the remodeled space will provide private meeting rooms, expanded life‑skills and independent‑living classes, and a youth‑operated coffee connection to create hands‑on job training.

Why it matters: Kershaw said that in 2025 the agency recorded 6,400 welfare‑center contacts and that approximately 65% of youth served come from foster care or systems of care; she reported a 75% exit rate to successful housing destinations. The funding package, if realized as described, would represent a substantial incoming investment and expanded local services for youth experiencing housing instability.

What remains to be confirmed: the transcript captures Kershaw's summary of awards and program statistics as delivered at the meeting; the council did not take a formal vote on a city commitment during the meeting. City staff and funders should be consulted to confirm precise award sources, award dates and executed agreements before publication of the funding details as final.

Next steps: Council acknowledged the update and thanked Kershaw; no formal council action on the project was recorded at this meeting.