The Raynier Institute & Foundation, a group that funds charitable organizations, has donated $7.75 million to a pair of Seattle-based organizations charged with aiding homeless young people. YouthCare focuses on homeless people aged between 12 and 24, while ROOTS provides emergency shelter to young adults between 18 and 25.
According to a 2002 study by NightWatch, an interdenominational Christian ministry based in Seattle, there are roughly 7,980 homeless people in Seattle/King County. The Seattle Office of Housing found in a 2009 study that 9 percent of homeless people in Seattle/King County were under 25 or younger.
A portion of the funds donated to YouthCare, roughly $2.1 million, will be channeled toward the mortgages on the organization’s assets, so it can focus its funds toward its charitable acts. YouthCare will receive an additional $1.55 million over the next three years to provide 15 more emergency shelter beds.
In recognition of the donation, YouthCare will name its Orion drop-in center "YouthCare’s James W. Ray Orion Center" in honor of Raynier founder James W. Ray.
"Our founder, James Widener Ray, was passionate about supporting human services and we know he would be proud of our decision to help create a better future for Seattle’s young homeless population," Jeff Hauser, executive director of the Raynier Institute & Foundation, said.
ROOTS will receive $1.55 million of the next 10 years, which will allow the organization to remain open seven days per week and maintain its current capacity of 25 beds. Raynier also offered $500,000 for improvements to the building or to purchase a new building if needed.
"For a variety of reasons including personal safety, young adults tend to avoid the big shelters that serve a largely older clientele, so these beds are essential," said Sinan Demirel, executive director of ROOTS.