By Isa Torres

This spring, Housing Families’ Youth Service and Engagement Program (YSEP) completed its eighth session, raising approximately $4,600 through student-led projects. Director of External Relations Molly Abrahamson and YSEP Student Director Katie Byers lead this session of YSEP virtually from March to June with ten admitted students from the Greater Boston area. 

Over the past four years, the program has worked with over 60 middle and high school students, who have collectively obtained around $21,000 in physical and monetary donations. From holiday gift bags to hygiene product drives to run-a-thon fundraisers, students participating in this program have successfully organized projects that have benefited the Greater Boston community. These student-led projects are conducted  after several weeks of classes aimed to teach participants about the consequences of housing insecurity and the different approaches to social advocacy. Throughout the course, housing justice professionals contribute by sharing their experiences and insights into their efforts to mitigate the impacts of housing insecurity. For example, policy advocate Katie Charcalis discussed the legislative advocacy she undertakes through conversations with state house representatives of local towns, and Clinical Director Elizabeth Kia presented on how trauma impacts community and youth health.

“I believe that the way that the YSEP program is structured to include presentations from professionals and a self-chosen service project truly allows us [the students] to explore the many factors and outcomes of housing insecurity,” commented Spring 2024 participant Isabella Torres.

The final service projects from this spring featured a mix of individual and group efforts. The range of interests in this season’s group is highlighted by the various service projects completed. Projects included book drives, lemonade stands, a bake sale, a crochet sale, and a hygiene drive—all of which amassed a monetary value of approximately $4,600. Thanks to the hard work of this session’s YSEP students, Housing Families’ Community Resource Hub, emergency shelters, and EnrichED Program will receive 225 books and Street Outreach Program will be able to distribute 57 hygiene kits to individuals in need. This productive and exciting YSEP session ended in June.

A new session is scheduled to commence in the fall on October 13. To apply for the fall session, click here.