VOLUNTEER
Youth Assistance Coalition is a predominantly volunteer-run organization. Without our volunteers,
we would not be able to help break the pattern of youth homelessness.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Shirin Mara at volunteer@yacsd.org
Hire a Youth
A significant barrier for youth experiencing homelessness is maintaining employment. Complicating factors such as transportation challenges, housing instability, and past trauma can negatively impact a motivated youth. We are looking to increase partnerships with small businesses and local companies who are interested in assisting with job placement, skills training, or paid internships in San Diego for these determined young people. This is a fulfilling opportunity for employers to empower youth and teach life-long skills for self-sufficiency. While engaged in our services, youth will also receive assistance from volunteers to process any work-related challenges that arise. Will you help the youth of San Diego?
DONATE
If you’d like to donate money to Youth Assistance Coalition,
you can donate online with a credit card here:
Or you can mail a check payable to Youth Assistance Coalition to:2801 B Street #238
San Diego, CA 92102
Donate Personal Items
Due to our limited storage capacity, we can only accept items that we can use immediately. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to wash or clean items. We are accepting gently used, clean, youth appropriate clothing. We are only accepting very gently used, clean youth appropriate clothing. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to wash or clean any items.
Items that are always needed include blankets, sleeping bags, tents, hand sanitizer, new socks (mens/womens), new underwear (mens/womens), sunblock, deodorant, hairbrushes, backpacks, gift cards (fast food, clothing, Target, Costco, Payless, etc), and mens/youth jeans/shorts (sizes 32-36, gently used ok).
We are also always in need of outreach snack bags. Just place the following in a gallon Ziploc (most items can be found at the dollar store, Costco or your local grocery store):
• Tuna in a bag, canned meat with pop-top (Vienna sausages, etc), beef/turkey jerky
• Fruit cup/dried fruit
• Fruit snacks
• Trail mix
• Granola bar
• Chips
• Other snacks
• Fork/spoon/napkin
For more information or to arrange drop-off, please call 619-458-6588 or e-mail info@yacsd.orgsd.org
Thank you for thinking of Youth Assistance Coalition.
Donate With Smile
MENTOR
Mentoring continues to be in high demand for the youth engaged with YAC. Our mentoring program is designed to link interested youth with a positive volunteer role-model who can provide collaborative support and guidance. Youth have reported benefits to receiving mentoring including improved grades, reduced use of substances, and increased openness to employment. YAC’s mentoring program utilizes evidence-based practices including mentee screening for safety, mandatory mentor training, and research-informed matching strategies. Check out our mentor position and apply today!
CARPARK
One of the biggest challenges facing people who live in their vehicles is finding a dependable and safe place to park at night. The city of San Diego and surrounding communities have strict laws regulating overnight parking on city streets which limits available options. The Safe Parking Program operated by our partner Dreams for Change provides for a safe parking environment as well as supportive services for individuals and families who are living in their vehicles.
YAC partnered with Dreams for Change and our volunteers provide meals every Monday and Tuesday evening at New Life Assembly Church (766 28th St). The Car Park program is one of the first Outreach endeavors we did as a leadership team, while we were building the new (YAC) program. Although, this isn’t traditionally our age demographic, we have continued with this program because it is very close to our heart.
YAC has made it its mission to make sure that individuals and families (typically 25 -30) staying at the safe lot have a warm meal. It’s important to YAC that these individuals have something to consistently look forward to and one less thing to worry about. These families need our help, and our donors love the opportunity to be of service. In 2020 we were able to provide 2,600 meals to individuals at the Car Park program.
JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST
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