It started with one girl…
In the winter of 2006, a young girl entered the non-profit agency For A Better Tomorrow. She requested rubber bands so that she could tie her pant legs out of the snow. She was 14 years old, pregnant, and homeless. The father of her child had left town, her mother was institutionalized for drug use, and her father was dying of cancer. After this incident, concerned community members, including Rod Bryant, came to a shocking realization; there were no services in Yakima to accommodate the unique needs of youth who are experiencing homelessness. Through the combined efforts of these individuals, donations from social service agencies and countless volunteer hours, Rod’s House came into being.
Now, 11 years later, Rod's House has helped 1,500+ youth and young adults through the following programs...
Young Adult Extreme Winter Weather Shelter
Operated by Rod's House and supported by an array of community members, the Young Adult Extreme Winter Weather Shelter (YAEWWS) is located in Yakima and runs from November - March. This year Rod’s House is partnering with a local motel to ensure young adults ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness have a warm and safe place to sleep during the coldest months of the year. For more information on the YAEWWS, email sylvia@rodshouse.org.
Young Adult Emergency Home
The Young Adult Emergency Home (YAEH) is located in Sunnyside and serves young adults (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness. The YAEH is a continuous-stay emergency shelter, where residents can stay up to 90 days in a safe space, as they address barriers in education, employment, mental health, substance use, etc while being supported by case management and behavioral health staff. Residents of the YAEH share a bedroom with one other person, and have access to their own bathroom; a kitchen and home cooked meals; laundry facilities; and staff that are there to support them 24 hours a day. For more information on the YAEH, email eric@rodshouse.org. You can find the application under the “Get Help” tab above.
Behavioral Health Services
Rod’s House offers behavioral health services to youth or young adults (YYA) 13-24, which includes but is not limited to someone experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, mood disorders, or a variety of other emotional barriers or psychological concerns. YYA can choose to access behavioral health services in the form of daily check-ins, individualized therapeutic sessions, or group work. Behavioral health services are available at the Resource Center in Yakima, as well as the Young Adult Emergency Home in Sunnyside. For more information on these services, email margarita@rodshouse.org.
Housing Assessment & Housing Support
When a young adult (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness completes an intake with Rod’s House, they are also encouraged to complete a Coordinated Entry housing assessment. Doing so puts the young person on Yakima County’s Housing List for Young Adults, so that when a housing opportunity is available that person might be enrolled in the housing. Rod’s House also has access to Centralized Diversion Funds, granted to us by Washington State, in an effort to eradicate youth and young adult homelessness. These funds can be used to assist young people in obtaining and sustaining housing.
Street Outreach Services
The Street Outreach Services (SOS) program connects youth and young adults to services and resources through street and community-based outreach with a focus on building authentic and empowering relationships. Through the Street Outreach Services staff, youth can receive: basic needs, case management, access to emergency shelter, educational opportunities, employment skill-building, advocacy, family-focused services, and follow-up support. We can provide young people experiencing homeless or those in need of basic support with a backpack filled with hygiene, food, water, first aid, socks, shoes, clothing, and cold weather apparel. The SOS program also conducts community based outreach which includes powerpoints on the history of Rod's House, current services, and how the community can get involved. If you have or know of a youth or young adult in need of services or would like to schedule an Outreach presentation or invite us to your event, please contact outreach@rodshouse.org.
