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The Reality of Youth Homelessness in Our Community

When the Sun Goes Down, We Show Up.

Every night, young people across Washington face an impossible question:

“Where am I going to sleep tonight?”

Some sleep in shelters. Some sleep in cars. Some bounce from couch to couch. Others stay in dangerous situations simply because they have nowhere else to go.

At The Coffee Oasis, we believe no young person should have to face the night alone.

That’s why we created The Night Shift—a community of people committed to making sure youth have a safe place to sleep when they need it most.

The Crisis Is Closer Than You Think

Youth homelessness isn’t just a problem in Seattle or other large cities. It’s happening right here in the communities we serve.

Kitsap County

During the 2024–2025 school year, 913 students in Kitsap County were identified as experiencing homelessness.

These are students attending local schools while living in unstable housing situations—sleeping on friends’ couches, in vehicles, in temporary shelters, or in other situations that no young person should have to endure.

Pierce County

In neighboring Pierce County, thousands of students are identified as experiencing homelessness each school year, making it one of the counties with the highest number of homeless students in Washington State.

For many of these youth, homelessness is invisible. They still go to school. They still show up for work. They still dream about their future.

But when the school day ends, they don’t know where they’ll sleep.

Homelessness Doesn’t Always Look Like Homelessness

When people hear the word “homeless,” they often picture someone living on the street.

For youth, the reality is often much different.

Youth experiencing homelessness may be:

  • Sleeping on a friend’s couch.
  • Living in a car with their family.
  • Staying in a motel for a few nights.
  • Moving between relatives’ homes.
  • Living in an emergency shelter.
  • Remaining in unsafe environments because they have nowhere else to go.

Many never tell anyone because they’re embarrassed or afraid.

One Safe Night Can Change Everything

A safe bed is more than just a place to sleep.

It’s protection from exploitation and violence.

It’s a warm meal.

It’s a shower.

It’s someone who knows your name.

It’s access to housing support, employment resources, education, counseling, and caring adults who believe your future can be different.

At The Coffee Oasis, we work every day to provide that hope for youth across Kitsap and Pierce counties.

Why The Night Shift Matters

It costs approximately $100 to provide one young person with one safe night of shelter and care.

Most people can’t fund an entire shelter.

But almost anyone can cover one shift.

That’s the heart behind The Night Shift.

For just $8.34 per month, you’ll provide one safe night of shelter each year for a youth experiencing homelessness.

When hundreds—and eventually thousands—of people each take one shift, together we ensure that no young person has to face the night alone.

Because hope doesn’t sleep.

And neither do we.

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