(Photo | Courtesy of J Bar J Youth Services)
Central Oregon faces one of the highest rates of youth experiencing homelessness in the country. In response, our community has joined forces, raising our collective voice to a national level in the fight against youth homelessness. J Bar J Youth Services is a leader in this response, with Eliza Wilson at the center as their director of services for Runaway and Homeless Youth while also serving as director of the Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC).
The Homeless Leadership Coalition is a collaborative effort that brings together community partners from Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties, along with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. It serves as the region’s Continuum of Care (CoC), a concept that encompasses a broad range of services and infrastructure aimed at addressing the diverse needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. This continuum includes street outreach, temporary shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. The CoC model promotes a collective impact approach to tackling homelessness.
Margaret Salazar, the northwest regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), commends Central Oregon for its active participation in national conversations about homelessness. She notes, “Central Oregon has been punching above its weight in national conversations surrounding homelessness measures.” Salazar praises local elected officials and practitioners for advocating strongly and conveying the region’s unique challenges to the broader discourse.
In her capacity as HLC Director, Wilson, along with Dierdre Kasberger, J Bar J’s COO, played a pivotal role in securing a substantial $953,950 HUD grant to combat youth homelessness in Central Oregon. Research underscores that addressing youth homelessness is a critical strategy for preventing adult homelessness, making this grant particularly significant.
Within the CoC framework, J Bar J’s Youth Advisory Council plays a vital role, especially in addressing youth homelessness. Comprising youth currently residing in Grandma’s House or Cascade Youth & Family Center’s LOFT — two shelters for unaccompanied youth operated by J Bar J Youth Services — and former residents who have transitioned to stable housing, the council actively participates in HLC community meetings. They identify system gaps, review policies and procedures, and contribute to the planning process for youth-focused programs. The council benefits from the guidance and support of adult staff to ensure their recommendations align with best practices.
One of the council members, Adriana Guerrero, shared her personal journey and why she participates in the Youth Advisory Council. She said, “When I found out I was pregnant, I was excited but nervous. I told myself I wanted my kids to have a way better life than I did. For that reason, I moved to Oregon to start a new chapter with my partner. We got lucky to be together at Grandma’s House. We knew right away this was definitely different from what we were used to.” Guerrero emphasized the warm and welcoming environment at Grandma’s House, a stark contrast to her previous experiences.
Guerrero’s involvement in the Youth Advisory Council has transformed her perspective. She now has a plethora of ideas for improving the community and enhancing opportunities for youth. She envisions more family shelters available to young adults and is determined to drive positive change. She shared a quote by Oprah Winfrey: “Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” Guerrero explained that this quote represents her family’s commitment to change and starting a new chapter for their son.
J Bar J’s support for the HLC and the Youth Advisory Council extends beyond words. Wilson dedicates countless hours to HLC initiatives in the course of her workdays. Moreover, the youth on the advisory council are compensated for their valuable time and contributions.
In the fight against youth homel-essness, Central Oregon has shown its determination and resilience, with J Bar J Youth Services and the Homeless Leadership Coalition at the forefront of this movement. Together, they are working tirelessly to create a brighter future for the region’s youth and transform the narrative surrounding homelessness.
