Finding Stability
Every young adult deserves a chance to dream, grow, and thrive. But for countless young adults experiencing homelessness, survival takes precedence over opportunity. ROOTS Young Adult Shelter in Seattle provides more than just a bed—it offers a foundation of stability, community, and hope.
In 2025, Believe in Me proudly partnered with ROOTS by awarding a $5,000 grant to support their Staff Training and Direct Client Assistance program. This funding will not only enhance ROOTS’ ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care but also significantly improve their operations, equipping young adults with vital resources like prepaid cell phones. Together, we’re transforming obstacles into stepping stones for brighter futures.
The Hidden Crisis of Youth Homelessness
A National Issue That Demands Attention
Homelessness affects over 4.2 million young people annually in the U.S., robbing them of stability during one of the most formative periods of their lives. Youth homelessness stems from a range of challenges, including family conflict, systemic inequities, and a lack of affordable housing. These barriers can feel impossible for young adults without access to consistent support.
Seattle: A Microcosm of the Crisis
In Seattle, rising living costs and limited affordable housing exacerbate the issue, leaving many young adults vulnerable. Those from marginalized groups—such as LGBTQ+ youth and young people of color—face additional hurdles, from discrimination to systemic neglect. ROOTS Young Adult Shelter steps in to fill this void, offering immediate relief and tools for long-term transformation.
ROOTS Young Adult Shelter: A Legacy of Empowerment
From Humble Beginnings to Life-saving Impact
ROOTS (Rising Out of the Shadows) began in 1999 as Seattle’s first shelter for young adults. Over the past 25 years, it has served more than 8,500 guests, providing access to meals, hygiene supplies, clothing, and case management services.
ROOTS’ commitment to dignity and community has only deepened with time. In 2021, they established a permanent home in Seattle’s University District. This space enables them to dream bigger and serve better. With plans for expanded programming and 24-hour services, ROOTS is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness for future generations.
Values That Define Their Work
At the heart of ROOTS’ mission is a steadfast belief in equity, accessibility, and the right to safe housing. Their trauma-informed approach acknowledges the complex experiences of their guests, ensuring that every young adult feels seen and respected. ROOTS also embraces its role as an advocate, addressing systemic injustices and empowering marginalized communities.
Programs That Change Lives
ROOTS offers more than shelter. They provide a roadmap to stability through case management, life skills training, and connections to housing opportunities. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, ROOTS helps guests take meaningful steps toward independence.
Believe in Me’s Impact: Fueling ROOTS’ Mission
Empowering Staff Through Training
ROOTS will use $3,000 of the Believe in Me grant to enhance staff expertise through Motivational Interviewing and Milieu Management training. These modules, developed by the Social Strategies Training Center, will help staff build stronger relationships, set healthy boundaries, and create trauma-informed spaces. This investment in professional development ensures that every interaction with guests fosters trust, safety, and growth.
Providing Lifelines Through Direct Assistance
The remaining $2,000 will fund prepaid cell phones for young adults experiencing homelessness. These phones are more than just devices—they’re gateways to opportunity, allowing guests to search for jobs, apply for housing, and stay connected to critical services. For many, this simple tool represents a turning point on their path to stability.
Ambitious Goals for 2025
ROOTS aims to increase participation in its case management services by 20% by the end of 2025. By then, 35% of guests will voluntarily engage in programs that lead to long-term success. This grant catalyzes these ambitious but achievable goals.
Shared Vision: Believe in Me and ROOTS
Alignment of Missions
ROOTS and Believe in Me share a common goal: empowering young people to overcome barriers and realize their potential. Both organizations recognize that stability, confidence, and community are foundational to success.
A Partnership for Change
Believe in Me’s grant amplifies ROOTS’ ability to serve young adults experiencing homelessness. Together, we are breaking cycles of instability and fostering a brighter future for the next generation.
Hope in Action, Change in Progress
ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is more than a safe haven—it’s a launchpad for hope, stability, and self-confidence. Through Believe in Me’s support, ROOTS addresses immediate needs and creates pathways to long-term success.
Together, we’re proving that every young adult deserves a future filled with possibility. With your help, we can continue to plant the seeds of change and watch them grow into stories of resilience, empowerment, and transformation.
Join the Movement: How You Can Help
Support ROOTS Young Adult Shelter and Believe in Me
Discover how you can make an impact by visiting ROOTS’s website to learn about their life-changing work and opportunities to contribute. Your generosity also fuels Believe in Me’s mission to support programs like ROOTS, empowering marginalized youth to build brighter futures. Visit https://www.believeinme.org/ and help spread awareness to drive meaningful change.
Understanding youth homelessness is the first step to solving it. Share this blog, educate your community, and help build a world where every young adult has a chance to thrive.
