Maryland has been granted $2 million to aid youth experiencing homelessness, with funds directed to services and shelters that make a direct impact.
One beneficiary is Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s new center in Hyattsville, which opened as part of their B-E-Z (be easy) Drop-In Program. The program offers essential resources to teens in need.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oliver Carter, the program director, emphasized the center’s role as a lifeline for teenagers without family support.
“We just try to help them,” Carter said. “We don’t try to give them what we think is best for them. We try to meet their needs where they’re at.”
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The Department of Housing and Urban Development presented a $2 million check to Maryland’s Youth Homelessness System Improvement, allocating part of the funds to the Hyattsville Center.
Matt Heckles, HUD Regional Administrator, stressed the importance of collaboration.
“This work is just too hard to do if we do it alone,” Heckles said. "It’s impossible to do if we do it alone.”
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The drop-in center, which serves youth age 14 to 24, provides food, entertainment and case management but does not offer overnight stays. It also supplies basic necessities such as soap and menstrual products.
“Sometimes, some soap, some deodorant and some feminine hygiene products can help them get to the next day,” Carter said.
Donnell Potts, chief of programs at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, said their goal is to assist 250 homeless youth and prevent 50 more from becoming homeless in Prince George’s County.
The center, located in the 7700 block of Barlowe Road, operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Window mural featured in the video story was created by DC artist Tammy Barnes — Instagram: @tbarnescreates.
