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12/19/2002
BELLEVUE, Wash. - When you think about the eastside of Lake Washington,
you don't often think about homelessness. Yet beds for homeless teens
are filling up four nights a week at a unique program at the Bellevue
Family YMCA.
When the pool and workout rooms at the Bellevue family Y empty out, they
come.
Homeless teens between 18 and 23 line up in the cold to get one of 12
warm cots. It's called "The Landing," a place where youth can get a
place to sleep, a hot shower and laundry facilities, safety and comfort.
"Some of 'em are fleeing abusive situations at home, some have substance
abuse problems," said Adam Baldwin, Friends of Youth. "Some of them are
failed by a foster care system that abandons them as soon as they turn
18."
"Sarah" just got a job, but still can't afford her own place.
"They give you food at the end of the night when you come in so if you
haven't eaten all day," said Sarah. "It's really nice to be able to eat
something."
"Jason" finished his first semester at Bellevue Community College.
"It gives me an opportunity to actually concentrate on getting a job, go
to school, 'cause I'm in school as well, instead of trying to find a
place to sleep," said Jason.
YMCA volunteers have adopted these youth, bringing food and clean linens.
"It's really a big question whenever we go out and talk about this
program," said Keri Stout
Bellevue Family YMCA. "People ask, 'Where are these people from?'
They're from the eastside. They are our community. And as the Bellevue
family YMCA, this is our way to fill a need in our community.
"The Landing" is a labor of love. If you'd like to donate
food or cash, you can contact Friends of Youth at (425) 869-6490.
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