Ways to Make a Difference for Homeless Youth Awareness Month

This November, Youth Emergency Services (YES) is recognizing Youth Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE) Month—a time to raise awareness, strengthen community support, and stand alongside young people experiencing homelessness.

At YES, we believe every young person deserves a safe place to land, the support to build stability, and the opportunity to create a future of their own. It takes a community to make that possible, and there are plenty of ways to get involved this month and throughout the year.

Whether you're spreading awareness, donating winter essentials, or sharing a meal, every act of support helps young people in our community feel seen, supported, and reminded that they're not alone.

Here are a few ways to get involved during Youth HOPE Month:

Wear Green
Green is the color of awareness and hope for young people experiencing homelessness. Throughout November, we're encouraging our community to wear green as a visible show of support for youth in need.

Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag YES (@YesOmaha on Facebook and @YES_Omaha on Instagram) to help spread the word and inspire others to join in. It's a simple way to show young people that they matter, their community cares, and they're not alone.

Donate Winter Items
As temperatures drop, staying warm becomes an important part of staying safe. Young people who turn to YES need winter essentials like coats (in youth and adult sizes), hand and foot warmers, car seat ponchos, warm blankets, and more.

Donations can be dropped off at the YES Drop-In Center, located at 2602 Harney Street, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

You can also stop by and shop at Tip Top Thrift Shop—a volunteer-run thrift store in the Benson neighborhood. Every purchase helps support YES and the resources we provide to young people experiencing homelessness. We're grateful to Tip Top and everyone who donates, shops, and helps make this community resource possible.

Stop by Tip Top at 5910 Maple Street, Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Together, we can help ensure young people have what they need to stay warm, safe, and supported this winter.

Sign Up for Our Meal Calendar
A warm meal can make someone's day—and sharing one is a meaningful way to support young people at YES. Through our YES’ Monthly Meal Calendar, community members can sign up to prepare or purchase a meal for youth visiting our Drop-In Center.

Getting involved is easy! Simply choose a date on the calendar and provide a meal that can feed up to 30 young people. Home-cooked or catered meals are both welcome, and easy-to-portion options like sandwiches, pasta, and casseroles are always appreciated. On your scheduled date, drop off your meal at the Drop-In Center (2602 Harney Street) between 11:30 a.m. and noon.

Each meal provides more than nourishment. It offers a moment of comfort, connection, and care to a young person who may need it.

Together, We Can Make a Difference
Youth HOPE Month is an opportunity to recognize the challenges young people experiencing homelessness face—and, just as importantly, the difference a supportive community can make.

At YES, we're grateful for the individuals, businesses, and community partners who show up for young people in so many ways. Whether you're wearing green, donating winter essentials, providing a meal, or sharing our mission with someone new, your support helps create more opportunities for young people to find safety, build stability, and move toward a future filled with possibility.

Because ending youth homelessness takes all of us. And together, we can help every young person know they have a place to turn, a community behind them, and a path forward.