New Horizons

Mission

Ending homelessness, one young person at a time. 

Description

New Horizons exists because hundreds of youth and young adults are forced to be without a home in Seattle every day. Tragically these young people disproportionally become our community’s chronically homeless adults. Our opportunity is to disrupt this cycle for youth and young adults, offering safety, shelter, case management, behavioral and mental health services, employment, and housing support before homelessness becomes chronic. 

Meet Rain, 19

Rain was adopted at the age of five and spent their childhood in Tacoma. Their relationship with their parents was complicated from the beginning. Rain experienced physical abuse at home which left them afraid, alone, and isolated. 

In December of 2023, at the age of eighteen, Rain ran away and found themselves at the Seattle Public Library. Rain asked the library if they knew of any work or volunteer opportunities and somewhere they could stay. Thankfully, the library gave them directions to New Horizons. 

After visiting New Horizons’ Day Program, it took them some time to feel comfortable opening up after so much time feeling uncertain and alone at home. 

They shared that they are grateful for the staff’s work to keep New Horizons safe and welcoming for everyone. Eventually, Rain connected with their case manager, Ellie, to get an apartment of their own despite the obstacles that exist for them. 

Many housing programs have strict requirements on top of their long waitlists, so, for young people with physical disabilities, chronic health issues, intellectual disabilities, or even for those who are under the age of 21, the wait for housing can be even longer than the average three month waiting period. 

Rain worked with Ellie to overcome the many barriers inhibiting their opportunities such as their young age and chronic health issues. 

After more than a year, Rain finally moved into an apartment!

While they work toward their goals of a career working with animals, an apartment without roommates, and house training their cat, Rain is happy to have their own room and a place that feels like home.

We are excited to celebrate Rain’s successes after such a long road, and we are so proud of them for all of their hard work in attaining it. They are curious, intelligent, and have an infectiously joyful spirit that we can't wait to see them share with the world!