Ryan’s House for Youth is conducting a survey of perceptions on Whidbey Island about homeless, unaccompanied youths and services available to them.
The anonymous online survey, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WhidbeyYouth or https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WhidbeyCommunity and six people who complete the survey will win a $50 Visa gift card. There are two age groups for the survey, one for participants between 12 and 24 years old, and one for 25 and older.
The nonprofit connects homeless young people with services, clothing, hygiene products and sometimes temporary host families.
The agency is fundraising to purchase the Countryside Inn near Coupeville for $525,000. To date, more than $100,000 has been raised. According to Ryan’s House, major donors are prepared to match about $200,000, leaving another $225,000 in fundraising needed.
“The motel is everything that we’ve ever dreamed of,” says Lori Cavender, executive director of Ryan’s House for Youth, in an appeal video online. “It’s on seven-and-a-half acres of land, it has a large building for a drop-in center, with a full kitchen, space for our student closet.”
She also notes that the inn has two showers, which is a service that Ryan’s House can’t provide with its current space in Freeland.
Donations may be made online at www.ryanshouseforyouth.org/capital-campaign.html, mailing a check to P.O. Box 551, Langley, WA, 98260, at the office at 1832 Scott Road, C-5 in Freeland, are at the Big Red Event annual fundraiser Feb. 13. Questions about Ryan’s House may be directed to the agency by calling 360-331-4575 or 206-356-2405, or emailing ryanshouseforyouth@gmail.com.
