About the Organization
Janus Youth Programs originated in 1972 and has grown to become one of the largest nonprofits in the Northwest operating over 20 different programs. Based on best practice models, some of their programs for the vulnerable, exploited, homeless and runaway youth are:
Yellow Brick Road Portland
Every night of the year highly trained Yellow Brick Road community volunteer teams and professional staff walk the streets of downtown Portland making over 2,000 contacts monthly with homeless youth, building trust, helping meet their immediate needs and linking youth with services to help them get off the streets. A one-day a week stationary outreach location provides youth with connection to basic services including shower and laundry facilities, telephone and internet connection and linkage to a host of additional supportive services. Volunteers must be over 18 and are asked to make a six month commitment.
Youth Shelters and Day Programs
The single point of entry for homeless youth ages 14 to 24 seeking services through Portland’s Homeless Youth Continuum, the Center screens over 700 youth each year providing engagement, intake, screening and community referrals. Youth seeking services have immediate access to basic needs and safe shelter off the streets. Screenings can be accommodated 365 days of the year between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. Youth younger than 17 are referred to Harry’s Mother to determine if their needs can be met through services specifically designed for minors.
Yellow Brick Road Washington
Professional staff and highly trained community volunteers initiate over 2,900 face-to-face contacts with vulnerable youth on the streets each month building trust, providing information, referral and crisis intervention services. Along with this, they have two outrach workers and a case manager focused on survivor services.
Youth Shelters and Day Programs
A day-time drop-in center for homeless youth, The Perch offers a dry, warm, safe place where youth have access to laundry facilities, computers, a phone, a meal and skilled staff to help them problem solve.
Check out our website for a full list of services and opportunities.
How You Can Help
Join the community of volunteers working with Yellow Brick Road doing nightly street outreach to connect with youth on the streets and develop trusting, appropriate relationships with them in order to provide support and information/referral. Help out at Street Light or Porch Light shelter.). Make financial donations to a specific program at Janus, or a general gift of support.
