Established in 1973 by the Sisters of Social Service near Loaves and Fishes, Wind Youth Services (Wind) commenced as a daytime sanctuary catering to homeless adolescents under the guidance of Sisters Maryanne Bonpane and Stephana O’Leary. Wind now operates as the largest youth Drop-in Center in the Sacramento region and provides the only emergency shelter serving children aged 12-17. Over time, Wind broadened its range of services to cater to the evolving needs of these youth, with a steadfast commitment to equipping them with the tools and resources needed to break the cycle of homelessness.
The Drop-in Center, now located at 815 S Street in Downtown Sacramento, operates seven days a week and offers a variety of supportive services aimed at meeting the urgent needs of youth experiencing homelessness. These include case management, advocacy for substance use disorder, a respite room, an anti-human trafficking team, an essential needs closet, and other services. The Center ensures daily provision of breakfast, lunch, and snacks, as well as access to showers, on-site laundry facilities, and hygiene supplies. Additionally, it serves as the central hub for collaborating with partner organizations to assist youth transitioning from homelessness, including an on-site medical facility, in partnership with One Community Health, and additional employment support from JUMA Workforce.
Meanwhile, the Common Ground Emergency Shelter, a 20-bed shelter for up to 120 days offers a safe haven for transition-aged homeless youth. It includes intensive on-site case management and a client Counselor. By providing a safe and stable place to stay, along with meals, laundry, and hygiene support, it allows young people to address their immediate housing needs, providing a foundation for pursuing economic and educational opportunities.
Through programs such as the Transition Aged Youth Shelter (TAY), Adolescent Shelter (ADO), Transitional Housing Program (THP), and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Wind Youth Services demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting young individuals on their journey towards economic self-sufficiency and independence. By providing not only shelter but also comprehensive services and resources, the organization empowers these youth to build a foundation for a brighter future, one where stability, safety, and opportunity intersect to foster growth and prosperity.
Wind Youth Services' mission is to provide supportive services and opportunities to youth as they pursue self-determined lives of stability and independence. Wind Youth Services provides youth experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 24 with basic safety net services, linkage to resources and supportive services, emergency shelter and transitional housing programs.
Wind Youth Services relies on the kind contributions from our community and partners. With the rising challenge of youth homelessness in our area. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth we support.
• $25 Provides breakfast for 8 youth
• $50 Provides 40 loads of laundry to youth experiencing homelessness
• $100 Provides a youth one night of emergency shelter and food
• $150 Provides housing move-in kit
• $200 Provides lunch for 57 youth
• $500 Provides 5 youth with monthly transportation services
At Wind Youth Services, we are dedicated to the pursuit of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves access to safe and supportive services. We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers and biases that perpetuate homelessness among youth in Sacramento, CA.
Our approach is rooted in the principle that equity is not just a goal but an ongoing process. We strive to create an environment where every individual's unique experiences and perspectives are valued and respected. We acknowledge the historical and structural inequities that have contributed to youth homelessness and pledge to work to address these issues.
We are dedicated to providing equitable access to our programs and services, ensuring that they are culturally sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs of the youth we serve. We actively seek partnerships and collaborations with organizations and individuals who share our commitment to equity and social justice.
At Wind Youth Services, we are on a journey towards a more equitable future, where no young person has to experience homelessness. We invite all stakeholders, including our staff, volunteers, donors, and the broader community, to join us in this endeavor of creating a more just and inclusive society for all.
Organization name
Wind Youth Services
other names
WYS
1994
Tax id (EIN)
23-7348227
Mission Category
Housing, Shelter
Operating Budget
$1,000,001-$5 million
Organization Need
Funding: Unrestricted, Space: Office or Other, Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations
Local Counties Served
Sacramento
Address
815 S StreetSacramento, CA, US