Growing up is hard. For some, it’s much more challenging than for others. Did you know that over 34,000 youth were homeless in our country on any given night in 2020? That number has likely gone up since the pandemic started. Youth homelessness can result from instability in their homes from abuse, neglect, domestic violence, parental substance use and family conflict. Luckily, Cocoon House works to help keep kids off the streets.  

Seeing the impact of homelessness on the youth in our own backyard, Cocoon House started in 1991 as an emergency shelter with only eight beds and a mission to support youth to safely achieve their full potential. Today, they’ve expanded to include multiple shelters and programs to support youth and young adults experiencing homelessness in our community, such as: 

• An Outreach Team provides resources, supplies, hygiene and food packs, as well as access to housing.

• The U-Turn Drop-In Center. This center provides a space for young people to shower, get a hot meal, do laundry, and access to transportation, computers, music, and other resources.

• A Free Music Program where qualifying youth can reserve a 90-minute session with the Music Program Coordinator, who mixes and masters any songs the youth plays and records.

• Housing programs throughout the county for people who are 12-17 years old and any of their children. These programs also provide life skill classes, employment coaching, school support, and assistance transitioning into long-term housing.

• WayOUT Seminars support youth and their families to improve communication and develop strategies to prevent homelessness.

• The Kaleidoscope Club, where people support Cocoon House programs with recurring gifts while receiving updates, stories, and videos about how youth are being supported in Snohomish County.

• Resources for all young people, for LGBTQ+ youth, and for parents.

Some of the above programs have been adapted for safety due to COVID-19, and, as with all the non-profits that we feature, Cocoon House is always accepting donations. This organization also accepts matched donations from your employer, has sample language for planned gifts, and a guide on how to run a fundraiser. Additionally, Cocoon House is consistently looking for volunteers to assist in a number of tasks as well as host homes to provide young people experiencing homelessness a temporary and welcoming space. 

You can learn more about Cocoon House by emailing info@cocoonhouse.org, and keep an eye out for future events to support youth in our community! Transitioning successfully into adulthood is made possible with support and security - two things that are not available in every living situation. By working together and ending homelessness for young people, we can ensure children can safely move through adolescence and into empowered adulthood. 

Cocoon House

Angela Di Filippo currently works in State Social Services and recently earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with extensive training in evidence-based leadership coaching. Angela moved from North Carolina to Washington 6 years ago and has proudly called Everett her home for 5 of those years. When not helping others solve problems in creative and strength-driven ways, Angela enjoys her time painting, hiking with her terrier-mix, Indy, and eating waffles.