Stories from YFS

Milo's Story

Milo shares his personal story, from navigating youth homelessness to working for the very programs that once supported him during his time of need.

Maria's Story

Maria found a safe place to learn and grow at the St. George Youth Center. Learn more about her story as she prepares for college in the fall.

Testimonials from My Home

My Home provides services to youth 18-24 experiencing or who are at risk for homelessness. YMCA staff working on housing solutions and counseling to build a path to independence.

“I was in an extremely sad situation for 6 months and think the My Home Program saved my life helping me get back to stability when I was unable to care for myself. The program helped me when I didn’t have a job and supported me while I found a job helping me to budget the income I had without over drafting. This gave me security I have never felt, I was able to start a savings account and actually save money for my goals. The help allowed me to not only sustain, but to be motivated and actually appreciative of the help I was receiving.”

-      Female, 22 years old

“I had been part of other service programs for months with no results. I got the referral from my brother to come to My Home and talk to Kaylie and within only a couple months she helped me get a place of my own, helped me refinish and fix up furniture, and really went above and beyond to make the place I was living feel like home. It makes sense the program is called My Home because now I really do have my own home.”

-      Female, 23 years old

Testimonials from Noah's

Noah’s Anchorage provides short-term emergency shelter and drop in services to youth 12-17 years old who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, have run away, or are in an unsafe situation.

“I like how peaceful Noah’s is. I enjoy getting away from my family every now and then. I like that I can express myself freely. I am able to use Noah’s for tutoring, counseling, homework help or support if I am not able to be at my home or need time to chill out. I feel like I can always come to Noah’s and this will always be here for me and the community I live in. The environment is so safe. I enjoy that there is always someone here to talk to. This is like a break from everything.”

“Noah’s gives me a lot of closure I’ve never had. I’m able to express myself like I’ve never been able to, most specifically being Trans. It’s a safe place where I don’t get bullied. It’s nice that the staff really want to help us. It’s nice because it’s like a home. When I heard that this was a crisis center I thought of a big facility, when I came I realized it’s very homey (even down to the chores we have to do). I love that NA is supportive of LGBTQ rights and hooked my up with a lot of resources.”

-      Trans Male, 15 years old