Annual Report
2015 ANNUAL REPORT Data Accurate January 1 - December 31, 2015 Dear Community Members, Thank you for your incredible support in 2015! This support allowed us to reach over 1,000 youth in Washington County and provide them with a sense of belonging, a safe place to master skills, opportunities to practice generosity, and avenues to find independence. Through the efforts of almost 1,000 volunteers and community partners, we have expanded our outreach teams and employment services. Unfortunately, due to a severe shortage of affordable housing in this area, the number of young people impacted by housing instability continues to grow. Last year 2,148 K-12 students were identified as homeless in Washington County alone. This represents an increase of almost 147 students from the year before, which is truly tragic. The need for our services is greater than ever. Last year marked a milestone for me personally as I have had the life changing privilege of becoming a mother. It has helped me realize, even more, how incredibly valuable HomePlate is for our community. It serves as a support system for young people that were not naturally surrounded by one. The one immeasurable outcome that matters most to us at HomePlate is that we exist to offer an opportunity for such courageous and resilient young people to connect in safety with others in our community who genuinely care, without judgment, fear of exploitation, or concern for expectation. It is in this offering of bonding, comfort and love, our basic emotional needs, paired with meeting other basic needs like food and clothing, that we have witnessed unending promise for not only our youth, but our volunteers, our staff, and our broader community.
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