Here is an update from The Ground Floor staff for the first half of March. Thanks for the information, April, and thanks to all the staff at NWYS doing this important work!
In the first half of March, the Ground Floor has served a total of 65 unduplicated youth and young adults for a total of 207 visits to (interactions in) the space. That's an average of 20-21 unique individuals every day!
Services provided during those 10 business days:
28 bus passes were handed out.
Hygiene products were supplied more than 75 times.
Showers were provided more than 60 times.
Quiet rooms were utilized about 30 times.
More than 40 loads of youth laundry were washed.
Almost every young person who comes to the Ground Floor gets at least one meal while they are here, and a to-go snack bag when they leave for the day. That adds up to about 500 meals/snacks provided!
In addition, youth and young adults were helped with documentation, mental health and physical health care referrals, free legal aid, substance use disorder treatment referrals, housing case management, and more.
The best (in my opinion) thing we provide at Ground Floor is a safe space where youth and young adults can build healthy relationships with supportive, non-judgmental adults. This leads to trust-building, self-confidence, and the ability to engage with services and access resources.
We've had three successful move-ins so far this month.
One couple has been working hard for many months to improve their situation. They have worked to obtain employment, attend required court hearings, and participate in therapy and treatment. Our Critical Transitions program was able to assist them with case management and supportive services. They are now living in an apartment and receiving after-care services.
A young man who was previously incarcerated and who has been accessing support at the Ground Floor for some time, decided it was time to start making better choices for himself. He has been engaging with a case manager consistently over the last few months and has been following through on his obligations with other agencies along with maintaining steady employment and while living in his car. He was just moved into NWYS' emergency housing, HUSLY, for ninety days while we work with him to obtain stable housing. This is a great stepping-stone for him.
Another young man, who is about to turn 25 and "age out" of our services, secured an apartment on Monday. The Ground Floor staff worked with him during the process and NWYS was able to contribute financially by covering some fees associated with the move-in. He has a good plan for stability going forward and is excited for the future and expressed gratitude for the support the Ground Floor has provided.
While doing this challenging and vital work, we also make time for fun. I've seen staff doing puzzles, playing games, doing art, and cooking with young people (just to name a few of the many activities we plan).
