Get to Know Us
Mission
YES provides housing and support to youth experiencing
instability, crisis, and homelessness.
Vision
We envision a community where youth homelessness is unacceptable and youth in crisis are safe, supported,
and self-sufficient.
Our Values
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Equity
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Safety
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Authenticity
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Connection
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Client Voice
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Trauma-informed Care
Our Work
As a member of the local Continuum of Care, we partner with other local agencies to address homelessness in our community. We exist specifically to help youth and young adults break the cycle of homelessness by creating goals, establishing stability, and achieving self-sufficiency.
Many of the individuals we serve have experienced physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse making it unsafe for them to return home. The longer youth and young adults experience homelessness, the more vulnerable they become to exploitation, trauma, health complications, and addiction.
By the Numbers
An estimated 500,000-2.8 million youth and young adults are homeless each year in the United States.
Nearly 46% of homeless youth and young adults have been physically abused and 17% were forced into unwanted sexual activity.
1 in 3 youth have traded sex for means of survival such as shelter, food, or clothing.
History
Youth Emergency Services (YES) was founded in 1974 by a group of community volunteers who noticed homeless youth hanging out in Omaha's Old Market district.
1974
The YES House (now known as our Emergency Shelter) has been serving youth in crisis for more than 45 years.
1999
YES added its Street Outreach Program to better connect unsheltered youth with emergency housing resources and essential needs like food and clothing.
2008
YES launched its Transitional Living Program (TLP) and Maternity Home for youth and young adults transitioning to independent adulthood and expecting parents.
2019
YES started its Rapid Rehousing program with a goal of providing low-barrier solutions to help young adults quickly access housing or shelter.