Summer at SYM! Blog post written by Alyssa McLeod, Operations Assistant Summer at SYM is unique for many reasons. And this tracks because the Seattle experience in the summer is unique. For one thing, Seattlites are accustomed to the rain, clouds, and generally colder weather. In the summer we all feel the sudden climb in temperature, and it changes how we move about a day. For our unhoused neighbors the change in temperature leads to a specific set of needs, and it can have an intense impact on mental, emotional, and physical health. There is rarely an escape from the constant heat, not enoug ..read more

In the day to day of our work at SYM, we often wonder whether our efforts have impact. Every so often however, we are privileged to get a glimpse. This week, I received this from a young woman SYM has known for many years. As I consider the challenging moments of 2020, her testimony provides needed encouragement and hope. In my life, nothing has ever been stable, or certain. I’ve faced struggles with mental health, addiction, homelessness and often, hopelessness. In that darkness, SYM is the only home and stability I’ve ever known. I was a difficult person to deal with, but there has been pea ..read more

The first question I ask myself as I write is, how can I – a biracial, Korean and White woman – possibly speak to not only the murders of Black men and women in recent weeks, but to the oppression that Black people experience on a daily basis? The truth is, I don’t know that I can. But my second question is this – do I have any choice but to speak? It is because of my privilege, a privilege that comes from the color of my skin, that I can easily choose to stay silent, to disengage, to move on to other things and away from the complex, heavy, self-incriminating state of our nation today.  ..read more

In March, we were beginning to see COVID-19 spread to the United States but were still so unaware of the devastating impact it would have in our community. We were prepared to treat COVID-19 like flu season, asking everyone who came to drop-in to use hand sanitizer and being mindful of our own hygiene practices.  My position at SYM is a year-long fellowship and our annual Breakfast at Nine fundraiser is my big project. Since January, I have been planning seating arrangements, researching caterers, and purchasing things like table cloths, compostable dinnerware, and even the dress I was g ..read more

Dear Friend of Street Youth Ministries (SYM),   At SYM, my desk faces the entrance to our office. I get to observe the comings and goings of youth who visit for various things — IDs, eyeglasses, mail, housing needs, employment help, or to simply sit, have a cup of tea, and chat for a bit. Our staff members greet each young person with warmth, a name, and a sense of being known.  It happens every day, and for me, it’s a joy to witness.   Just like when folks arrived for our monthly cooking class last week. Our dear volunteer, Tracy, had prepared early by making turkey and homemad ..read more

Growing up, food was what brought my family together. "Sunday Dinner", as it was so fondly referred to, was held at my grandparents' home until my grandmother passed away in 2003.  The time was spent sharing stories, laughter (sometimes tears) and amazing food.  I wish I could say that as a result I became an amazing cook. But I can't.  What I can say is that food has become so much more than just fuel for the body. For me it's a love language, a conversation starter, a bridge of understanding, and a beautiful canvas for memories.  I continued the tradition with my children ..read more

One of the great joys and privileges of being in the Kingdom of God is the gift of being able to work together to advance it. It is in our God-given nature to “tend and keep” the place that has been entrusted to us. This was written in Genesis 1 when God set Adam and Eve in Eden to reign over and dwell in the garden together. It was their responsibility to take care of what they were given. It is still ours today.  Mike Coggins, one of our beloved staff at SYM, has taken this idea of Kingdom and partnership into a pursuit of church partnerships. Our long-time partners at the University Pr ..read more

I started volunteering at SYM 12 years ago when I saw an announcement at my church (UPC) asking for people willing to serve in SYM’s Drop-in space for young adults experiencing homelessness. I’ve been so blessed over these years to get to know so many committed and caring volunteers, so many gifted and effective staff and, of course, so many amazing youth. My role as a volunteer is to help make drop-in “go” by serving meals, getting youth set up with showers or laundry, playing UNO or just chatting about the day. Occasionally, I get the opportunity to serve youth outside of the Drop-in space ..read more

To be honest, I had begun to feel rather discouraged. Amidst a death in the family, personal friends on-again, off-again in their addiction, and heck- the state of the world in general? I just needed to see a win, somewhere in my life. And I didn't feel like I was witnessing it at SYM. I know the power of God- I've experienced it! And I have seen the Lord's hand on people and situations around drop-in, but there came a time where it felt stagnant. With more hopes and ideas than resources and volunteers, progress felt halted and planning almost pointless. Where were the answers to all my prayer ..read more

At the beginning of last season I was dreaming a dream of fostering the many creative talents of our amazing clients through “SYM’s Summer of Art”! We would have tools and materials at the ready in our drop-in center, and any specific desire an individual had for a project we would walk to the art store to pick up items fit for the task! Weekly prompts and varied art supplies available would create a stir on the streets and young people would flock to 4540 15th Ave to build an artistic empire, releasing all their problems and pain into beautiful masterpieces that would then auction off for hun ..read more