A Walk in the Jungle with CYS’ Street Outreach Team
Photos from left to right, top to bottom. Morrigan loads the wagon with supplies. Kennedy and Morrigan. A closer look at what goes in a hygiene kit. Morrigan holding a sharps container and Kennedy with a Narcan kit. Photos by Shanna Paxton Photography for Community Youth Services.
Kennedy and Morrigan, part of the Street Outreach team at Community Youth Services, had an unconventional idea to introduce me to their work when I approached them for this interview: “We think the best way for you to understand Street Outreach is to go with us to do outreach at an encampment today.”
I had initially expected a traditional office interview setting, complete with coffee and casual conversation, but my plans changed. What followed was an unforgettable experience that took me out of my comfort zone and into the heart of Olympia’s homeless community. When I arrived for the interview, we hastily gathered supplies and headed to “The Jungle,” a houseless encampment off Martin Way in Olympia. The encampment is home to a large number of people experiencing homelessness, many of whom are unable to access traditional shelter options. The City cleared the encampment in 2016 and 2017, but over the years people continue to return and rebuild.
Youth street outreach is an essential aspect of addressing youth homelessness. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on a single night in January 2020, there were approximately 37,252 unaccompanied homeless youth in the United States. Youth street outreach is a data-informed strategy to engage homeless youth and connect them with resources and services. Outreach workers like Morrigan and Kennedy often work with young people who do not access traditional services like shelters or drop-in centers. They build relationships and trust with youth over time. These relationships are crucial to ensuring that youth feel comfortable eventually accessing services and getting the help they need to move out of homelessness.
Morrigan and Kennedy explained that youth homelessness can be caused by a variety of factors, including family conflict or dysfunction, economic hardship, housing instability, mental health issues, substance abuse, and physical or sexual abuse. Homeless youth may also face additional challenges such as a lack of education, healthcare, and social support. Addressing youth homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention strategies, early intervention and support services, and safe and stable housing options. After-care and housing are the simple solutions for houselessness.
As we parked off the dirt road entrance to the Jungle, I realized my warm winter coat was no match for the cold and damp February weather. Despite my discomfort, Morrigan and Kennedy were cheerfully packing up a wagon with supplies, including sleeping bags, sharps containers, dog food, and baggies filled with first aid supplies such as bandages, gauze, condoms, fentanyl test strips, and CPR face shields. My fingers were frozen, and I was starting to lose feeling in my toes, but their enthusiasm kept me going.
As we made our way down the dirt path that winds through the encampment, Kennedy and Morrigan called out, “Outreach! Outreach! We have gloves and hats, sleeping bags, and water.” A few people approached us and requested supplies as we slowly walked and pulled the wagon. We provided a young woman, who appeared cold and shy in her pajama pants and thin jacket, with water, a sleeping bag, and a sharps container. An older woman requested dog food, while a few men asked for hats, gloves, and hygiene kits. We saw several cats, but the dogs who usually greet the team were quiet that day.
It took us only about 30 minutes to walk through the encampment, and by the time we returned to the entrance, the wagon was empty. I was surprised that we didn’t encounter more people, given that there were approximately 100 shelters, but Morrigan and Kennedy explained that it was early, close to 10 am, and cold, which meant that most people were still inside their shelters.
As we walked through the encampment, I was struck by the incredible dedication of this team. They are out here every week, rain or shine, ensuring that the houseless population has the basic supplies they need to survive and building relationships with the youth they serve.
One of the supplies they distribute is Narcan, which speaks to the gravity of their work. Narcan, also known as naloxone, is a medication used to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
When I asked how they first got involved with Youth Street Outreach, their answers were as unique as their backgrounds. For Kennedy, it started with a simple job search on Indeed. As someone with a business degree, she was looking to transition into a career that allowed her to make a positive impact in her community. For Morrigan, the journey to outreach work was more personal. “I was a former participant at Rosie’s,” they explained, referencing CYS’s youth drop-in center and shelter.
Despite their different paths, Kennedy and Morrigan share a deep connection to Olympia and a commitment to the community they serve. This sense of community and belonging drives their work, and their dedication is evident in everything they do.
Starting their day early at 7:45 am, Kennedy and Morrigan work tirelessly to make a difference in their community. They start by helping with the shelter work in the morning before packing up their car and wagon for street outreach. From noon to 2 or 3 pm, they hit the streets and camps, providing necessary supplies to those in need and building relationships with the youth in the area. After their outreach work, they meticulously track the inventory they distributed and touch base with Liz, the program director. As Kennedy said, “We spend a lot of time trying to do better and to be better.” With their shared dedication and passion, they have been working as a team for nine months, understanding that it takes a minimum of nine months to a year to build trust and relationships with the youth they serve.
When I asked Kennedy and Morrigan what they would like readers to remember, Morrigan responded with a heartfelt statement, “We have never felt unsafe. It is important to remember that we are serving individuals without resources who are facing unimaginable circumstances. Each person has a story for why they are where they are. That person is someone’s son, daughter, or loved one.” Their words highlighted the importance of recognizing the humanity in those they serve and the need to approach outreach work with empathy and compassion.
When I asked how people could make a difference, Kennedy and Morrigan didn’t hesitate to respond. “Educate yourself, volunteer, and learn about positive youth development and the causes of homelessness,” they said. They emphasized the importance of committing to taking action and living it.
The issue of youth homelessness is an incredibly complex and deeply rooted problem that demands a comprehensive approach. Morrigan and Kennedy, who are on the front line of this critical work, have shown unwavering dedication and commitment to the cause. Witnessing their efforts firsthand was a humbling experience and a stark reminder of the humanity and dignity of those they serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to glimpse their important work and inspired by their tireless efforts to address this urgent issue.