Youth Emergency Services (YES) (yesomaha.org) provides housing and support to youth experiencing instability, crisis, and homelessness. The YES Drop-In Center is the only center of its kind for homeless and near-homeless youth in the Omaha metro area. Because of this, YES fills a void in the community by providing a vulnerable population with necessary services, referrals, and support that they may not receive elsewhere.
In just the past fiscal year, YES served 394 unduplicated youth clients. Meanwhile, the organization’s Drop-In Center saw 2,797 check-ins— meaning that youth are returning to the Center to receive access to agency programs and resources.
In the hot summer months, needs shift to prioritize keeping youth cool and protected from extreme weather. YES is seeking donations of summer items to help the young people who visit the Center. High priority summer items include: sunscreen, aloe, bug spray, hygiene wipes, full-sized body wash, as well as shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, summer clothing (short-sleeved shirts in all sizes), bottled water, canned goods, non-perishable food items, and more.
Donations can be dropped off at the Drop-In Center (located at 2602 Harney Street) anytime Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For questions or to express interest in hosting a drive to collect summer items, please email especk@yesomaha.org.