The Core membership is a growing, self-governed, organic entity reflecting the community that is currently being served. One needs to be flexible and open to changes. There are two classes of Core Members, active Core Members and Inactive Core Members. An active Core Member represents a single vote in organizational activities when a vote is needed and represents the organization under its Mission/ Purpose statement. They are made up of individuals that care about Homeless Issues. There is no age restriction. In order to qualify for Core Membership, a person shall demonstrate initiative and involvement in PSKS activities and a commitment of time and effort toward it's goals and purposes. A Core Member shall be elected by a majority vote of the existing Core Membership.

Step Beyond is a peer-driven program geared towards formerly homeless individuals who have successfully transitioned off the streets. The purpose of Step Beyond is to build relationships with other peers in similar situations to provide support and lasting friendships. Step Beyond provides fun, sober activities and workshops to help participants better understand how to live life off the streets. Also provided are case management and resources for participants to create their own safe and healthy home environment.

Through LEAP, PSKS identifies youth who show an ability to meet expectations and hires them for a three-month paid internship. They gain a work ethic, learn responsibility, and develop work experience to be shown on a resume. Participants do peer street outreach, work in the HYPE day program and represent PSKS in the community.

Our Donut Dialogues provide a forum for peaceful interaction between police officers, local business owners, and homeless youth and young adults. This program, co-written with a police officer, is used throughout the city as a vehicle for communication between high risk youth and police and has been implemented city wide.

Step Up is an innovative response to create a safe place for homeless and formerly homeless women and those who identify as women to come together for a support group coupled with experiential outings. We use a multi-faceted approach where the women themselves are setting the goals they want to achieve, creating a sense of self worth and empowerment.

RISK is an alternative educational program targeting 16-25 year olds who have not been successful in the traditional school system. The program facilitates General Educational Development (GED) completion, FAFSA & COMPASS testing. RISK partners with the Seattle Education Access & Seattle Central Community College, and is funded in part by the United Way of King County.

HYPE is a peer-driven day program that helps teach street involved and homeless youth and young adults to advocate for themselves and includes workshops, community meetings, slumber parties for the squatters count, volunteerism and outreach. Annual events include haunted bowling and memorial to the lost angels. Participants of HYPE learn about other opportunities within PSKS including Core Membership. Here youth and young adults have access to nutritional snacks and light lunches, the phone, internet and a mailing address. We use a harm-reduction model which addresses substance abuse and mental health issues. Legal Advice is provided by SYLAW, massage & acupuncture is provided by the Alternative Health Access Coalition.

Capitol Hill & Stepping Stones is a case-management program that works with at-risk youth and young adults not currently served by other agencies. Our case management program advocates for clients needing housing, employment, education, legal and medical services and provides referrals to relevant community resources. CHCM also provides valuable one-on-one emotional support for the many youth who might not find it anywhere else. CHCM partners with Lambert House for on-site case management once a week, and is funded, in part, by the City of Seattle-Department of Human Services.

Weekly one staff, LEAP intern and CORE volunteer bring sack lunches to familiar street venues for homeless youth in order to make personal connections, establish trust and provide assistance and referrals to appropriate services. Our goal for this year is to reach and engage 80 street youth not previously affiliated with PSKS.

Your support helps our homeless youth achieve unimaginable goals. Please support Seattle's youth by donating to our programs