Julio Cortez, community relations director from Cocoon House gave us an update on a program our club has supported for many years. 

 

Cocoon House started in 1991 with one simple shelter.  Founded by a school counselor dealing with homeless students.  North Everett Lions club purchased a home and sold it to Cocoon house for $1. 

 

Over 2,500 homeless students in Snohomish County.  Many more that are not in school.  Avg. age students become homeless is 14 1/2.

Difficult to identify homeless teens.  Staff go out into the community to identify these children. 

 

12-24 year olds are served by Cocoon House.

 

Drop in center in Everett for 13-21 year olds.  Showers, warm meals, clothes, drug and alcohol support, mentors, work source, etc.

 

Two emergency shelters, one in Everett and one in Monroe for children 13-17.  Can stay for 14 days or up to 21 in special circumstances.  Must have parent approval unless intervention by CPS.  Safe Places have been established including the Arlington Library.

 

 

Transitional living programs for youth 13-17, 30% of child’s income charged as rent.  It is a savings account that the resident gets when finished with the program

 

Independent living/life skills programs offered at the housing sites.  One in Everett and one in Arlington (teen mothers only).  Typically 80-85% full.

 

Prevention programs – Any parent of any teen can engage in phone consultation, support groups, parenting classes, Way Out seminars (communications).

24 hour crisis line – navigators will pick up child, take them to a shelter, and return them home when safe.  Mandatory CPS reporters.

 

February – Mannequins will be placed around the city to bring awareness to homelessness.

Like the Cocoon House Facebook page.   Take a look click on Savesnocokids.org.

 

60% of income comes from community, 40% are state and federal grants.  Our club worked on the Arlington shelter and raised funds to help fund the same.  We also help sponsor the Silk Dinner Auction each fall at the Tulalip Resort with a large number of Arlington residents helping organize the auction.  Marcia Smothers and Kay Duskin have both served on the board and Past District Governor Lyle Ryan has taken a major leadership role in the organization.