Slow Summer Donations Threaten Youth Services at Rod’s House

Slow summer funds and inflation have hit us hard. Donations are low, but the needs are rising.

As temperatures rise this summer, donations to Rod’s House have taken a sharp downturn. The drop in funds is caused in part by rising costs for food, gas, and basic living across the country, creating serious challenges at a time when demand for services is climbing.

“We understand that everyone is feeling the pressure,” said a representative from Rod’s House. “But for the young people we serve, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability, these rising costs translate into empty plates, less safe beds, and less support for young people.”

In 2024, Rod’s House served over 500 young people and housed over 100. This means young people off the streets, young people pursuing educational goals, young people joining the workforce. This work intends to break the cycle of homelessness early, whereas later, it is more difficult, takes longer, and costs more to pull an adult out of chronic homelessness.

Rod’s House does this work by providing young people with basic needs such as meals, clothing, a hot shower, a stable mailing address, and more. The nonprofit also provides behavioral health services, case management, and programs designed to foster long-term stability. Goals in these programs include reaching milestones in education, employment, and stable housing.

Additionally, we run several shelters, three with extended stays, and one emergency shelter during the critical winter months. The three extended-stay shelters are designed to feel like homes, where young people not only have access to a kitchen, home-cooked meals, laundry facilities, and round-the-clock support – but also take part in shopping for groceries and preparing meals themselves, building life skills they’ll carry with them into stable housing.

These vital services are often a lifeline for young people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and we’re now seeking help from the community to continue this life-changing support.

To close the funding gap for needs that are year-round, the nonprofit has launched a community crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $20,000 by August 31. The organization is asking the community and local businesses to help sustain critical programs during what staff describe as the hardest months of the year.

“Local support makes all the difference,” the organization emphasized. “Please help us show our youth they haven’t been forgotten this summer.”

Here’s how you can help:

- - Make a donation
  - Start a fundraising team and invite people to contribute
  - Share the campaign with your friends, family, or coworkers
  - Become a Meal Partner by donating home-cooked meals
  - Volunteer