The House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding youth homelessness and support services in Oregon. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing challenges and successes in addressing the needs of vulnerable youth in the state.

The session began with Sam, a grant writer for Family Faith and Relationship Advocates (FARA) in Roseburg, who shared his personal journey from addiction to recovery. With 22 years of sobriety and 12 years in social services, Sam emphasized the importance of FARA's initiatives aimed at reducing youth homelessness in Douglas County by 80% by 2035. He detailed the collaborative efforts with organizations like Peace at Home and Safe Families, which have led to the establishment of the Lotus Pad, a youth shelter offering wraparound services. Sam reported that FARA has already assisted several families, providing essential support such as rent and utility assistance, which has helped them transition to stable housing.

Following Sam's testimony, Cheyenne Nichols, a program director at the Maslow Project, presented a heartfelt account from a client named Sarah Hood. Sarah recounted her struggles with homelessness while pregnant and living in a non-converted school bus. The Maslow Project's intervention provided her with emergency housing and the opportunity to secure a rental where she can start a plant nursery and florist shop. Sarah expressed her gratitude for the support, highlighting how it has empowered her to build a sustainable future for her family.

Bridget Budbill, representing the Human Services Coalition of Oregon, was next to speak, although her testimony was not detailed in the provided excerpt. The meeting underscored the critical role of community organizations in providing essential services to homeless youth and families, showcasing both the challenges faced and the positive outcomes achieved through collaborative efforts.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing commitment to addressing youth homelessness in Oregon, with a focus on innovative solutions and community partnerships. As the meeting concluded, the emphasis on continued funding and support for these initiatives was clear, signaling a proactive approach to improving the lives of at-risk youth in the state.