To learn more about our Building Fund, click below:
https://gofund.me/a08a0b83
Over the past two weeks, Wind has made strategic changes as we operationalize plans around COVID-19. Implementing social distancing and increasing sanitizing practices were among the first steps we took to minimize risk among our primarily millennial population. Subsequently, we’ve put into place additional safeguards to protect our staff, volunteers, and youth. Wind has adjusted and restructured staff, work schedules, and work locations to accommodate the following programmatic changes:
New Ways to Serve
Embracing the COVID-19 Task Force recommendations, we have changed in-person meetings between case managers and clients to virtual meetings. The online meeting format gives us the ability to maintain direct, one-on-one counseling and assistance. Each housing site has workspaces set up with computers and internet connection to allow youth to attend school online and have various virtual interactions.
New Ways to Support
Historically, Wind’s shelter and housing programs have been structured for youth to work or attend school during the day, thus leaving housing sites empty and “closed” during those 6 – 8 hours. Due to schools and campuses closing and businesses minimizing employee hours, Wind will now have support staff to keep our housing and shelter programs open 24 hours. Operating hours will increase from 16-hour days to homes being available to shelter-in-place for youth around-the-clock.
New Ways to Protect
Beginning March 20, Wind will be proactively implementing “Programming In-Place” at our XH, Common Ground, and TAY housing programs. Individuals who reside at a particular home will receive all programming at their respective locations to create service communities to support social distancing. Wind will be deploying a small “cadre” of service providers dedicated to a single housing unit. Each site will be a distinct community that will not interact or cross-pollinate with any other community.
The Mission Continues
Wind will continue to provide breakfast and lunch and workshops at the Drop-In Center 7 days a week. Our doors will continue to open as long as we can maintain adequate staffing. Working on a slightly abbreviated schedule of 7 am – 3 pm, the Drop-In Center will be available to youth who are new to our system or who are currently experiencing homelessness. Youth who are enrolled in one of our housing programs or shelter or living in a stable environment will be expected to shelter-in-place and not visit the center for meals and programming. The adjusted hours and protocols should significantly lower the number of people in the center at one time and allow staff to maintain programming safely and effectively.
Wind’s programs are functioning at full capacity, in addition to having an emergency shelter waiting list. As we do our part to operate safely, best practices and protocols will continue to evolve. Every day brings additional (and sometimes changing) news and recommendations from the government. Wind will continue to run our programs until local, state, and or federal health departments recommend otherwise.
The Summer Soiree is Almost Here!
Buy your ticket today to the Wind Youth Summer Soiree! This is an event you don’t want to miss!
This yearly fundraiser to say goodbye to summer, will be held September 13, 2019, at the elegant Antiquite Maison Privee, and is set to be the best yet.
Plan to enjoy delicious food, local beers and wines, and a live band. Entertainment will also include a DJ, raffle prizes, and artisan spirits. So come prepared to have a good time!
As a nonprofit dedicated to providing programs that offer tools and resources to help teens develop vital skills to break the cycle of homelessness, we are a group of passionate advocates for the young people with whom we work and depend on the generous donations of our community to continue to make changing strides.
We currently have three housing programs, three shelters and a new Drop-in Center located in Midtown. This new location is a central hub that brings together six service partners in one location and strengthens our ability to provide critical services and assistance to youth experiencing homelessness.
We invite you to join us for our annual Summer Soiree on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm as we raise funds to provide services for Sacramento’s youth experiencing homelessness. The Summer Soiree is currently the single largest, annual fundraising effort that Wind undertakes. Proceeds from this important event will help support our programs and the Midtown Drop-in Center.
For more information visit: https://soiree.windyouth.org/
Buy your ticket for the Summer Soiree before they are sold out!
Thank you to our sponsors for allowing us to present this event! Click here for photos of last year’s fun!