ROOTS Young Adult Shelter

03/23/2025

ROOTS Young Adult Shelter mourns the loss of former Washington State Representative and House Speaker Frank Chopp, a steadfast champion for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. His passing is a tremendous loss for our state and for all who are committed to housing justice, equity, and community.​

Frank Chopp’s vision for Washington was one where no one is left behind—and he spent his life working to make that vision real. His tireless advocacy helped build and sustain the safety net so many young people rely on today. For ROOTS, Frank was not just an ally—he was a true partner. From championing critical funding to supporting our shelter’s remodel, he ensured that young adults had a safe, welcoming place to land when they needed it most.​

His decades of leadership helped shape policies and programs that continue to lift people out of poverty, expand access to housing, and create opportunities for youth across the state. Frank believed deeply in people—especially those too often overlooked or underestimated—and his legacy will live on in every young person who finds stability, support, and a future because of the systems he helped build.​

We send our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues, and the communities he served so fiercely. ROOTS will forever be grateful for his impact, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to justice.​

Rest in power, Frank. We will carry your vision forward.

02/27/2025

Fighting for Young People: ROOTS & Communities In Schools Washington at the National Network For Youth Summit & Hill Day

Today,Erin Chapman-Smith, Executive Director of ROOTS Young Adult Shelter, and Erica Limon-Trefielo, State Director of Communities In Schools Washington, took to Capitol Hill for the National Network for Youth (NN4Y) Summit on Youth Homelessness & Hill Day.

We were honored to meet with Representative Emily Randall, Representative Adam Smith’s team, Senator Patty Murray’s office, Senator Maria Cantwell’s office, and Representative Kim Schrier to advocate for young people experiencing homelessness across Washington state. ROOTS and Communities In Schools Washington provide vital support to unhoused and at-risk young adults, and we brought their stories, struggles, and successes directly to the people who can make real policy change.

At each meeting, we emphasized the urgent need for federal funding and policy improvements to better serve youth experiencing homelessness, including:

✅ The Homeless Children and Youth Act (HCYA) (H.R.5221) – Breaking down outdated definitions that prevent young people from accessing services based on where they sleep. No young person should be denied help just because they’re couch-surfing instead of in a shelter.

✅ Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA) (S.2704 / H.R.5191) – Reauthorizing and improving funding for essential youth homelessness programs, including Street Outreach, Basic Center, and Transitional Living Programs that help young adults find safety and stability.

✅ Higher Education Access & Success for Homeless & Foster Youth Act (HEASHFY) (H.R.1741 / S.789) – Removing barriers that prevent homeless and foster youth from accessing federal student aid, housing, and wraparound supports while in college.

✅ The Foster Youth Mentoring Act (H.R.3054 / S.1426) – Expanding mentorship opportunities for foster youth who need stable, supportive relationships to navigate their transition to adulthood.

✅ The Community-Based Crisis Response Act (S.2981 / H.R.5871) – Funding community-based mobile crisis response services, ensuring youth in crisis get trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate support rather than being funneled into emergency rooms or the criminal legal system.

We shared how ROOTS, as Washington’s largest young adult shelter, and Communities In Schools Washington, which provides crucial support in schools statewide, are working every day to stabilize young people and connect them to housing, education, and employment opportunities. But we need systemic changes at the federal level to ensure every young person has a real chance at stability and success.

This fight is far from over. We need your voice to make sure our representatives continue to prioritize youth homelessness. 📢 Take action today! Reach out to your elected officials and urge them to support these critical bills.

A huge thank you to our Congressional leaders and their staff for taking the time to hear from us. Let’s keep pushing for a future where every young person has a safe place to call home.

02/26/2025

🚨 WE’RE HIRING AT ROOTS! 🚨

ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is looking for a Director of Development and Engagement to help us grow, connect, and make a real impact for young adults experiencing homelessness. This is more than just a fundraising role—it’s about storytelling, community-building, and rallying support for a mission that changes lives every day.

✨ Are you the right fit? ✨

✔️ You’re passionate about youth homelessness solutions and social justice.

✔️ You thrive in fundraising, communications, and donor engagement.

✔️ You’re a strategic thinker who loves turning big ideas into action.

✔️ You’re ready to help lead ROOTS into its next chapter of growth and impact.

💡 Why join ROOTS?

✅ We’re the largest young adult shelter in Washington State, serving young people with dignity and respect.

✅ You’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate team committed to driving change.

✅ Oh, and did we mention? This is a leadership role with big opportunities to innovate!

📢 Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Tag them!

📌 Ready to apply yourself? Use the link below!

Let’s find the changemaker who will help ROOTS grow and thrive!

The Director of Development is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing all fundraising and communication strategies to support ROOTS' mission and programs. This position requires a strategic, innovative, and relationship-driven professional who can build strong....

02/24/2025

After eight incredible years at ROOTS, we say farewell to our Director of Development, Jordan Beaudry, whose last day is today.

Jordan has been instrumental in increasing ROOTS’s funding and building systems that help us fundraise more effectively. His efforts in securing millions in funding for our upcoming remodel have also helped set ROOTS up for success. Before his role in development, Jordan managed our volunteer program for many years, creating structures that continue to support both our volunteers and our agency today. Jordan’s impact on ROOTS is immeasurable, and his commitment to our mission has helped create the foundation we are building upon today.

We are endlessly grateful for Jordan’s dedication and commitment to ROOTS. While it is always hard to say goodbye, we are thrilled to see Jordan stepping into a new and exciting opportunity where he will continue making a difference in the nonprofit world.

Join us in thanking Jordan for all he has done and in celebrating this exciting next chapter. Jordan, we will miss you and can’t wait to see what you do next!

02/21/2025

Get ready to slay the night away at Drag Bingo Night! Join ROOTS at Chuck’s Hop Shop Seward Park on Sunday, March 2nd, at 7 PM for a night of fierce performances, bingo fun, and community spirit—all in support of ROOTS!

Your participation helps ROOTS provide shelter and support for young adults experiencing homelessness. So, grab your friends, bring some cash to tip the queens, and let’s make a difference together!

📍 Where: Chuck’s Hop Shop - Seward Park
📅 When: Sunday, March 2nd, 7 PM
🎟️ Why? Because bingo is better with drag queens!

Don’t miss out—see you there!

02/03/2025

Help support unhoused young adults by donating new pillows for a better night's rest!

Donations can be made through our Amazon Wishlist or in-office drop-offs by appointment. DM us directly to schedule an appointment. Here is a link to our wishlist: http://bit.ly/40YtFPL

Thank you so much for supporting our efforts!

01/28/2025

📢 CALL TO ACTION 🚨

On January 27, the Office of Management and Budget issued a directive temporarily pausing federal financial assistance, starting January 28 at 5 PM. This impacts federal grants, funding disbursements, and programs that support nonprofits like ROOTS.

This puts ROOTS’s building renovation project at risk, and services for individuals experiencing homelessness may face disruptions.

Act now to protect vital services:

- Call Your Members of Congress at (202) 224-3121. Share how this freeze will harm our community.

- Email Your Lawmakers through the National Alliance to End Homelessness - Customize your message for greater impact! Use this link: https://endhomelessness.org/actions/act-now-all-federal-grants-will-be-suspended-contact-your-member-of-congress-now/?utm_source=Master+Email+List&utm_campaign=61b98266c5-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2025_01_28_03_46&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-61b98266c5-669116669

Thank you for advocating on behalf of those we serve!

01/08/2025

The numbers are in! ROOTS served 485 unduplicated guests in 2024 and provided nearly 13,000 bed nights of shelter. This is a nearly 4% increase over 2023, which itself was a record year. As the demand for our services grows, ROOTS is rising to the challenge. In 2025 we will begin critical facility renovations that allow us to expand to 24/7 services. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we make this new chapter a reality!

12/26/2024

🚀 Exciting Opportunity Alert! ROOTS is hiring for 4 key positions! 🌟

Guest Support Specialist (Friday-Sunday)
Guest Support Specialist (Tuesday-Thursday)
Program Manager (Tuesday-Friday)
Program Manager (Saturday-Tuesday)

Join our team and make a difference! 🌍❤️

ROOTS Young Adult Shelter is Washington State’s largest shelter dedicated to serving young adults aged 18-25 who are experiencing homelessness. Since our founding in 1999, ROOTS has been a safe haven, offering not only a warm bed and a meal but also compassionate support and a pathway toward stabi...

12/26/2024

ROOTS is hiring for an exciting opportunity as a Program Manager. Please take a look at the job description below!

POSITION SUMMARY: The Program Manager (PM) provides direct supervision for Guest Support Specialists (GSS), Volunteer Supervisors (VS) and the Case Management Team (CM) and is responsible for managing the shelter and day service operations. This role is key to program development, training developme...

12/26/2024

ROOTS is Hiring for an exciting opportunity as a Program Manager. Please take a look at the job description below!

The Program Manager (PM) provides direct supervision for Guest Support Specialists (GSS), Volunteer Supervisors (VS) and the Case Management Team (CM) and is responsible for managing the shelter and day service operations. This role is key to program development, training development and facilitatio...

12/20/2024

We are thrilled to share that Believe in Me has awarded Roots a generous $5,000 grant! Believe In Me funding will empower ROOTS to better serve our guests by increasing staff training and providing direct client assistance. This support will go a long way in helping us provide critical resources to our community, so that young people can find stability and hope.

Check out Believe in Me’s blog post highlighting the work we do at Roots and their incredible commitment to empowering nonprofits like ours: https://believeinme.news/roots/

A huge thank you to Believe in Me for believing in us! 💛

12/18/2024

ROOTS is still looking for meal donations and one-time volunteers to support our programs from now through January first. In addition to our usual volunteer shifts, we are hosting a special Christmas Day drop-in for our guests on December 25th, from 1pm-5pm.

Meal and dessert donations will help us provide a festive Christmas feast that brings comfort and joy to unhoused young people during a time of year that’s challenging for many of our guests. Meal donations can be dropped Drop off donations between 12–1 PM on Dec. 25 or a day or two early if they can be reheated or served cold. Message us if you are able to contribute a meal or dessert to this important cause.

You can also support ROOTS by picking up a one-time volunteer shift between now and January 1st. We have the following shifts available.

• Evening: 7–11 PM
• Morning: 6:45–8:30 AM (Sun-Fri) / 7:45–9:30 AM (Sat)
• Christmas Day: 1–5 PM (cookies, games, and holiday fun!).

Follow this link to sign-up for a volunteer shift, and our staff will reach out shortly to confirm: https://bit.ly/rootsholiday

Thank you for celebrating with our guests this holiday season!

12/14/2024

Make this a meaningful holiday for our guests by volunteering with ROOTS! We are seeking one-time volunteers to assist during the critical period from Monday, December 16th, to Wednesday, January 1st.

In addition to our usual Evening and Morning shelter shifts, we will also be adding a one-time Christmas drop-in program on Wednesday, December 25th, from 1pm-5pm. During this time, we will build community and celebrate the season with our guests by baking cookies, playing board games, engaging in art projects, and enjoying video games and movies together.

To make it easier for new volunteers to get involved, we’re waiving our usual orientation requirement for these shifts. Here’s how you can make a difference:

⛄ Evening shifts: 7 PM – 11 PM

✨ Morning shifts: 6:45 AM – 8:30 AM (Sun-Fri) or 7:45 AM – 9:30 AM (Sat)

🎅 Christmas Day Holiday Drop-In shift: Wed, Dec. 25th only, 1pm-5pm

While holiday shifts are often popular, the period between Christmas and New Year’s is when we most need support. If you can lend a hand during that week, your help will be especially impactful.

Sign-up today: https://bit.ly/rootsholiday

Thank you for making ROOTS part of your holiday plans and supporting our mission!

12/12/2024

This holiday season, let's spread warmth and hope to young adults experiencing homelessness. A simple gift card or phone charger can make a big difference.

Gift cards offer more than just material goods; they provide a sense of independence, dignity, and hope. With a gift card, a young person can choose what they need most, whether it's a warm meal, new headphones, or a much-needed item of clothing. This empowers guests to regain a sense of control over their lives, while providing them with essential supplies and support.

You can help support our guests by donating gift cards, phone chargers, and other supplies in-person or through our Amazon wishlist: https://bit.ly/rootslist

The gift cards we need the most include Visa and Mastercard gift cards, as well as Safeway, Target, and other major grocery and retail chains. If you choose to donate in-person, please contact us via messenger or email [email protected] to schedule a drop-off time.

Your generosity will help unhoused young people feel seen, supported, and loved during the holidays and beyond. Thank you for your kindness.

12/09/2024

Thank You, Gates Foundation and Pride at Google Volunteers!

Last Friday, an amazing group of volunteers from the Gates Foundation and Pride at Google, an employee group supporting LGBTQ+ Googlers, organized our shelter inventory, so that our supply of hygiene products, clothing, and winter survival supplies can reach those who need it most each night in shelter.

We’re especially grateful for the ongoing support both Gates Foundation and Pride at Google have shown ROOTS:

💙 Gates Foundation has been a close partner of ROOTS for over a decade. They have sponsored nearly every Rise Up since 2015 and have consistently showed up for us with regular volunteer groups over the past decade.

💜 Pride at Google has gone above and beyond this year, hosting multiple donation drives, completing volunteer projects, and even getting a table to support ROOTS at RISE UP.

Gates Foundation and Pride at Google’s dedication has made a real difference in the lives of young adults in our community, and we can’t thank them enough for supporting our mission.

To join Gates Foundation and Pride at Google in supporting ROOTS, please consider donating items from our Amazon Wishlist—we’re always in need of essentials to keep our shelter running smoothly. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming space for those who need it most.

https://bit.ly/rootslist

12/03/2024

This , support ROOTS as we work to expand and enhance our case management program! With a focus on outreach, housing navigation, and specialized support for LGBTQIA+ youth, our expanded team will help more young adults than ever before find stability and success.

In 2024, ROOTS received funding from the Pride Foundation to hire Seattle’s first LGBTQIA+ case manager focused on the health and needs of homeless youth and young adults in emergency shelter. Soon we will expand our Case Management team further by adding Outreach Case Managers and Housing Navigators, who will work to ensure that young adults have the resources needed to get back on their feet. Your donations will help fund these crucial positions.

With federal funding for social services projected to decrease in the years ahead, your support has never been more urgent. Help us continue to provide life-changing services to young adults in our community by donating today: https://rootsinfo.org/

12/02/2024

This Giving Tuesday, Transform Lives with ROOTS!

At ROOTS, every day is an opportunity to provide young people experiencing homelessness with safety, nourishment, and hope. Thanks to supporters like you, 2024 has been a year of incredible impact:

🏠 Over 11,000 nights of shelter provided
🍲 More than 31,000 meals served
🤝 Support for over 455 unique guests navigating their journey to stability

As the needs in our community grow, we’re stepping up to meet the challenge. ROOTS is becoming a 24/7 hub of support, offering expanded case management, vital health services through partnerships, and a continuum of care—all under one roof.
But we can’t do it without you. Federal funding for social services is decreasing, and your support is more critical than ever. Your Giving Tuesday gift makes ROOTS’ transformative work possible.

Donate now at https://rootsinfo.org/. Let’s ensure every young adult has a chance to thrive. Thank you for being part of our mission! 💫