A Day in the Life of Kiki | Staff Spotlight
There’s no such thing as a typical day when you’re working to support youth experiencing homelessness—and Kiki wouldn’t have it any other way.
As a Programs Specialist at Youth Emergency Services (YES), Kiki wears many hats. One moment she’s reviewing housing applications or chatting with a youth, and the next she’s packing grocery bags, outfitting clients, or helping setup our Drop-In Center for a new day. Her schedule? Always changing. Her energy? Unshakable. Her commitment? Unmatched.
Follow along for a behind-the-scenes look at one of Kiki’s “not-so-average” days—and get a glimpse into what it really takes to help young people feel safe, supported, and self-sufficient.
9:00 a.m. – Time to start the day.
Time to hit the ground running. I usually float between our Administrative Office and the Drop-In Center, depending on what’s needed that day—but my home base is at Admin.
9:30 a.m. – Daily Standup at the Drop-In Center.
Every weekday starts with a quick team huddle. Programs staff use this time to share updates, share any urgent needs, and coordinate support for the youth we’re serving.
9:45 a.m. – Review Admissions applications.
Back at Admin, I start digging into new admissions for our long-term housing programs. These programs are vital for youth who need stable, supportive housing for up to 18 months—and with limited space, I help make sure every application is carefully considered. I’m looking for eligibility, but also for fit—who we can help the most and how.
10:00 a.m. – Follow up with applicants.
I spend the next hour following up with youth who’ve applied. Calls, emails, whatever it takes to connect. I walk them through our programs, answer questions, and talk through what support could look like. It’s all about building relationships and trust from the very beginning.
11:30 a.m. – Check in with current program youth.
Time to review program files for youth currently in our housing. I doublecheck that all paperwork is up to date and that everyone’s on track to meet their goals. If something’s missing—like a form, milestone, or resource—I loop in our Housing Manager, John, so we can step in with extra support.
12:30 p.m. – Lunch break!
It’s a beautiful day—and I could definitely use some sunshine—so I take advantage of the break to get out of the office and walk to a nearby lunch spot.
1:00 p.m. – Finish Programs Newsletter and make more follow up calls.
I wrap up edits on our internal newsletter (gotta keep everyone in the loop on our programming) and send it over for review. Then it’s back to applicant outreach—some youth can only chat in the afternoon, so I try to catch them when I can. We’re persistent for a reason: sometimes it takes multiple tries to connect, but it’s always worth it.
2:00 p.m. – Back to the Drop-In Center.
Afternoons are often spent face-to-face with youth. I register new visitors, walk them through our program options, and help them access whatever they need that day. Every youth is different, so every need is different. It could be a warm meal, a few bags of groceries, or even some job interview prep.
4:00 p.m. – Clean up the Center and wind down.
As the day winds down, I help with any final requests from youth or staff, then tidy up the Center. Wiping down tables, mopping, stacking chairs—it’s part of creating a welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors and a good way to wind down from a busy day.
5:00 p.m. – Head home for the day.
Before heading out, I update my to-do list for tomorrow and make sure my office is locked up. It’s been a full, busy day—and honestly, that’s just the way I like it. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful.