Imagine getting out of bed, stopping the alarm clock, having a shower, getting dressed, making a cup of coffee to go and getting in your car to go to work. It’s what many employed Marylanders do every day. Now imagine, if you will, having no bed, no alarm clock, no running water, no work clothes, no coffee maker and no bus fare. Additionally, imagine you’ve lived through the traumatic stress that led to your homelessness, whether it be the loss of a loved one, your banishment by a parent, overcrowding and chronic poverty or, more likely, a combination of multiple factors. The latter is a reality for many homeless young people.

Currently there are more than 1,400 young people under age 25 in Baltimore who do not have a safe and stable place they can call home. These youth and young adults often sleep in abandoned buildings, on buses, on the streets, with friends, or with strangers. Despite experiencing homelessness, these youth are hopeful; they strive to be active in the community and successful in the workforce.

A homeless youth experiences multiple stressors, invisible to the public, long before the work day begins. It can be extremely difficult to switch from survival mode to work mode once they reach their place of employment; an organizational culture that understands this concept is the key to success of homeless youth. Such youth have better employment outcomes working in companies that understand the challenges of being homeless, worrying about safety and feeling unstable. A workplace that allows employees to wash up before the work day begins, helps them to recognize triggers and manage emotions prior to escalation, and intentionally builds trust through genuine relationship building can transform a person’s life — and help a homeless youth achieve stability.

In Baltimore City, the Youth Empowered Society “YES” Drop-In Center works in collaboration with many partners to provide barrier removal and wrap-around supports for youth and young adults who are homeless. YES provides homeless youth intensive case management, rental assistance, therapy, legal assistance and workforce supports. Business partners provide training that “meets youth where they are” and a responsive workforce setting for what is often these young people’s first job.

Starbucks is a business that has provided a safe place for YES youth to work, develop skills and to be mentored on the job. Since the fall of 2016, four youth have become employed at Starbucks, and a fifth will start soon. Starbucks has provided many additional supports to keep these youth employed. The store managers and YES workforce development coordinator maintain contact to problem-solve issues related to being homeless or job performance, and store managers go as far as texting youth to check on them and help them manage their new income. The culture at Starbucks is one of inclusion, which is an important component of making youth who experience homelessness feel comfortable. These youth are encouraged to recognize their feelings and triggers and are able to take breaks if needed. In the case of job jeopardy, the YES workforce development coordinator is invited to provide on-site intervention and conflict resolution. The lifting of these barriers has enabled youth to maintain their jobs, their income, their dignity and their path to stability.

These youth are excited about earning an income, are proud to be employed and are hopeful about being on the path of stability. We are thankful to Starbucks for their partnership and challenge other employers to join with us in similar partnerships. They can provide hope to a population who needs it most. Homeless, hopeful and resilient — YES youth are an inspiration to other youth, their new colleagues and our community.

Terrylynn Tyrell (terrylynn@yesdropincenter.org) is development director of Youth Empowered Society (YES Drop-In Center), an organization that prevents and eliminates youth homelessness through the synergy of youth and ally partnerships. Nick Brooks (Nick@yesdropincenter.org) is workforce development coordinator there.