Happy Spring! Learn more about Rod's House, a nonprofit addressing youth homelessness in the Yakima Valley, from Young Adult Emergency Home Program Manager Chon Márquez. And please spread the word about our Emerging Professional opening!
A new EW partner, Rod’s House takes a multi-faceted approach to ending youth homelessness in the Yakima Valley. Rod’s House’s Chon Márquez spoke with us about his work, what brought him to Rod’s House, and how the community can help.
Tell us about Rod’s House.
Last year’s count of youth experiencing homelessness in our area was 90, and we expect that number to be significantly higher this year. To my knowledge, Rod’s House is the only nonprofit in our region serving these youth exclusively. Our programs include a resource center with drop-in services and referrals, an emergency home for young adults, a young adult extreme winter weather shelter, behavioral health services, and street outreach services.
My program, an emergency home for young adults in Sunnyside, opened during the pandemic. Prior to that, there was no year-round housing program focused on young people’s unique needs.
What brought you to this work?
I joined Rod’s House six months ago. Previously, I worked in a similar role in the Seattle area for eight years. I’m originally from Sunnyside. When I saw this position, I read up on Rod’s House. I loved its mission, its commitment to equity, how they treat young adults, and what they have to offer them. My program, the Young Adult Emergency Home, houses young adults for up to 90 days while working with them to overcome education, employment, and health barriers, and offers case management and behavioral health services.
How do the causes of youth homelessness compare in Seattle and the Yakima Valley?
In both areas, there is a huge lack of affordable housing. This problem is growing in the Yakima Valley, because many people who are now working remotely have moved out here for the great quality of life. When I moved here six months ago, I had to spend two months living at a hotel because of the severe lack of housing.
In both Seattle and the Yakima Valley, some, though not all, youth experiencing homelessness are going through substance abuse. But the two biggest causes of youth homelessness that I’ve observed in both Seattle and the Yakima Valley are lack of affordable housing, and lack of job training.
We collected a lot of information from the people we’ve been serving at our resource center, and determined that our community’s greatest need is a permanent program where young adults can stay for 90-120 days, year-round, while receiving support to overcome barriers to long-term stable housing. This data is driving our plan to build a new facility to serve both minors and young adults in Yakima.
Where can we learn more? How can we help?
To learn more about Rod’s House’s work, follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or subscribe to our newsletter. Other great resources are A Way Home Washington (statewide movement to end youth homelessness), and the Homeless Network of Yakima County.
We always welcome money and in-kind donations. Check our social media for our weekly Wednesday wish lists, or visit our website to donate!
EW is hiring! Please spread the word to mission-driven people who may be interested in our Emerging Professional opening. We're seeking someone with 3 to 5 years of experience to collaborate on designing housing and community facilities. Full job description and application instructions are on our website.