Dear Friends,

On the second day of school – we received a call: a high school senior had spent a frightful night in the park because she had nowhere else to go. On the fourth day of school – another call; a 15 year old from out of town and needing help. Two days later, another call; a 16 year old wearing out his welcome on a friend’s family’s couch. And so it goes…

These three young people also happened to be in school, two of them had jobs & involved in after-school activities – not the usual picture we get when someone says ‘homeless youth‘ but all three were indeed, youth without a home.

Fairbanks Youth Advocates was established to help our most vulnerable during hard times. Everyone counts, and we are counting on you. Your tax deductible donation provides critical unmet needs. Partner with us. Pray, donate, volunteer. Together we will make a difference.

the door update

Since receiving the Community Development Block Grant through the City of Fairbanks, the process of renovating the shelter building, located at 138 Tenth Ave has begun. The reports and the competitive bid process this grant requires has made the going very slow but we expect the construction to commence May, 2013. This will be an incredible gift to the community and we are grateful that it will serve youth for many years to come.

In the interim, we are currently moving forward in a partnership with First Presbyterian Church to provide overnight shelter for youth this winter. We hope to be offering a safe, warm space to sleep soon because, as one new advocate wrote me today, “it matters”.

night owl alert

Fairbanks Youth Advocates is working to establish a Safe Space shelter for this winter.  Dick Erwin, an AmeriCorps volunteer through Joel’s Place Seasons of Service, will help coordinate volunteers, create policies, and ensure the project is run safely and effectively.  We are reaching out to the community to help us meet these needs.

Are you a night owl?  We are currently seeking volunteers, 25 years of age or older and willing to be background checked, who will help provide overnight supervision to youth at the emergency shelter.  If you have a heart for homeless youth and are willing to volunteer at least one night a month, pleaseapply to volunteer.

It takes many of us to successfully support our homeless youth population.  As a community, together, we can help our young people remain safe.

looking back

It was a wonderful summer! We hope you stopped by the markets this summer to say Hi!, taste a rosette, and ask your questions about Fairbanks Youth Advocates.  We loved having the opportunity to meet with community members, hear their stories and perspectives, and talk with them about FYA and the need for a youth shelter in Fairbanks. Thank you to everyone who came out!

Thank you to Meagan Scheer, VISTA volunteer, who helped with this project.  She worked hard, accomplished her goals (and more) and brought much laughter to the office.  Thank you for your service, Meagan, we wish you the best in your future endeavors!

looking forward

Please keep your eyes open for Fairbanks Youth Advocates upcoming events and activities.

• September 28th, the city-wide youth group, Thirst, will be hosting a Sleep-Out to raise awareness for youth homelessness, as well as funds for Fairbanks youth Advocates. Contact Shane for more information, and how to get involved.
• November is National Youth Homeless Awareness Month. Join us as we join with our partner agencies for the Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth (usually held the first part of November, follow our Facebook for updates).
• We are hiring for a Family Support Counselor. See our website for more information.
• We will be hiring staff to help coordinate the winter shelter.  Watch our website – we’ll post more information as we know more!