OUR GOALs
Our goals are to first open a Drop In Center created in the Basic Center Program model for youth under 18, and then to open a Transitional Shelter for longer term needs for older youth. We will offer shelter and services to homeless and runaway youth including trauma-informed art therapy and case management services, referrals, and other assistance as needed.
Are You In Need of Services Right now?
We're new and are still raising the funds to get off the ground floor, but we are ready to help you right now by directing you to the resources that do exit across the state or in our neighboring states of Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Colorado.
Contact us right away in whichever way is easiest for you: we are findable on facebook, instagram, twitter, email, or by phone.
Contact us right away in whichever way is easiest for you: we are findable on facebook, instagram, twitter, email, or by phone.
Why is bloom house necessary?
- According to KSDE, during the 2019-2020 school year, there were 69 homeless students enrolled in K-12 in Emporia, KS. This doesn't account for homeless youth who have dropped out of school.
- Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ represent up to 40% of the total homeless youth population. Trans youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness. Kansas is ranked 29/50 and 47/100 for access to LGBTQ+ inclusive resources
- Many homeless youth are pregnant or parenting. As many in a given year as 44% of older youth (18-24) and 10% of younger youth (under 18).
- Homelessness has dangerous consequences for youth. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 3 teens on the street will be pressured to trade sex for supposed safety within 48 hours of leaving home; the American Association of Pediatrics finds suicide is the leading cause of death for unaccompanied homeless youth.
- 90% of youth accessing shelters for minors through the federally funded Basic Center Program state that they experienced difficulty at home such as fighting or screaming, physical and emotional abuse, and issues relating to the youth sexual orientation or gender identity.
Step 1, 2, AND 3Our Goals Are Big
To Fit the Need Where we are right now: We have an office location and we're providing connection to area resources, and outreach. We work to connect youth in need with the existing resources available, as well as provide bags of groceries to hungry youth of all ages, prescription medication vouchers or travel vouchers to older youth 18-24 who need financial assistance to get to safety or to purchase medication. When you donate, you can send a message telling us exactly what you want to fund.
Step 2: Drop In Center - Open 24/7! Step 3: Transitional Housing Shelter! |
The Services We Will OfferInclusive and Comprehensive
We believe strongly in inclusivity, intersectionality, and offering comprehensive services to help the whole person grow and blossom.
Bloom House will offer: Art Therapy Mental Health Services with a trauma informed approach. Case Management & Life Skills Education which will build confidence and teach self-sufficiency. And so much more, like: free internet access, laundry, meals any time of the day, clothes closet, a stocked resource room, fun activities, and calm-down space. |
CommunityWhat Can Your Donation Do?
It only takes $6,000 to provide a $25 bag of Aldi groceries to 20 youth each month! It takes $1,250 to provide 25 med vouchers of up to $50 each. It only takes $3,780 to buy taxi fare for 14 older youth 18-24 or families with younger youth who do not meet criteria for our current local shelters and have a place waiting as far away as KCMO or Tulsa Ok where safe shelters with youth specific, culturally inclusive, and trauma-informed programming exist. If we get $4,800 we can pay a $400 move-in deposit for 12 youth 18-24 who have an apartment waiting and just need a little help.
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