Have you heard about our Youth Service and Engagement Program (YSEP)?  

Founded by longtime volunteer Allison Wu, Housing Families’ Youth Service and Engagement Program empowers students—from approximately 6th to 12th grade—to learn about housing insecurity and take action in their communities. 

Led by student leaders Asra Nourollahi and Katie Byers, and supported by Housing Families staff, YSEP offers a fun, interactive environment where students explore leadership, advocacy, and service. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants learn how homelessness affects children and families across Massachusetts—and how they can make a meaningful difference. 

YSEP is a nine-week hybrid program, primarily held over Zoom with occasional in-person events at Housing Families in Malden, MA. 

At the end of the program, students are encouraged to design and complete a service project that raises awareness or provides resources for issues they care about, especially those related to housing insecurity. 

One inspiring example is Grace Wong, a dedicated YSEP participant who combined her love of crocheting with her passion for advocacy. By partnering with a local store, Grace sold handmade crochet items, shared insights from the program, and raised funds for Housing Families. 

Anna Wutkiewicz, a fellow YSEP participant, has raised over $1,500 for Housing Families through a variety of creative fundraisers: custom lemonade stands, bake sales, art sales, and more! 

Grace and Anna just are just 2 of 66 incredible students who have collectively raised $24,760 in cash and in-kind donations for Housing Families and other nonprofits in their communities. 

The next YSEP session begins in October. 

 Learn more and register at: https://hfiysep.weebly.com