Dear Supportive Community,
The Board of Directors of Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets (PSKS) has spent the past two years investigating the best possible future for our programs serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. After in-depth conversations with partner service providers, the City of Seattle, and private funders, we have come to the very difficult decision that PSKS must close its doors no later than December 31.
Since 1995, PSKS has responded to the individual needs of thousands of youth and young adults, with compassion and effective programs that help them envision a better future and support on their path to realize that future. PSKS began when our founder realized that homeless youth were not being given a voice and their concerns were largely unmet. In subsequent years, other youth programs closed or moved to other neighborhoods and PSKS became the sole provider on Capitol Hill. In 2013, PSKS began providing emergency shelter, and in 2018, we became an enhanced shelter allowing us to provide even more wrap-around services to support these youth. While enhanced shelter is a proven model for ending homelessness, our need for increased support and sustainable infrastructure prevent us from continuing beyond 2019.
This difficult decision was not made overnight. Sadly, our exploration led us to realize that the sustainability problems are not unique to PSKS. We wish to express our deepest gratitude to our partner agencies who worked with us to find ways to save these vital shelter beds. However, they too, are experiencing the same fiscal limitations and were unable to help. In short, the resources in King County do not meet the demand for services that have otherwise proven effective in ending homeless for youth and young adults.
We, the Board of Directors, wish to acknowledge our many partners, volunteers, Secret Santas, dedicated staff and past Board leaders for their many contributions of time, talent, and treasure. You are in our hearts as are the youth and young adults who continue to need these critical services.
Sincerely,
The PSKS Board of Directors
Cameron Brauer Scot Orriss
Dorothy Crean Timothy Popanz
Heidi Jacobsen-Watts Andrea Vitalich
Katie Keller