Partner Profile: HomePlate

In April of 2005, individuals from a youth group, social services agencies, the Hillsboro police department, and the community came together to develop a way to address the lack of services for homeless youth in Washington County. They came up with the idea of HomePlate, where youth ages 12-21 can come together on Thursday evenings for a hot meal, a shower, hygiene items, art supplies, games, and an open ear. HomePlate has continued to develop throughout the years, becoming a non-profit in December of 2007 and now serves between 20 and 50 youth every Thursday night.

In addition to its one part-time staff member, HomePlate relies heavily on volunteers. There is a Board of Directors and three core volunteers, who are part of the group that founded HomePlate. These volunteers have committed to being at HomePlate every Thursday evening. They have been able to provide familiarity to the youth, making HomePlate a welcoming and warm place.

Community volunteers are always welcome to participate in Thursday night activities. Volunteers bring a food item and as a group, they prepare a hot meal for the youth. After the meal, volunteers have the opportunity to interact with the youth and spend time listening, processing their situations, recognizing achievements, and providing guidance. The mission of HomePlate is to support the positive efforts of homeless youth through relationships and volunteers make this happen.

Jenny Reid is the heart of HomePlate. She is a two year volunteer with HomePlate, a newly elected board member, and a long time Hands On Greater Portland Volunteer Leader. As a volunteer, she helps to coordinate volunteers and plan the meal they will provide. When Jenny first began volunteering with HomePlate, she was impressed with the dedication of the core volunteers and the comfortable, safe place HomePlate is for youth. She was touched by how the youth take ownership in HomePlate and are so appreciative to have a safe place to have a hot meal and hang out with their friends. Jenny describes an evening at HomePlate as, “feeling like family getting together to enjoy each other’s company.”

HomePlate is always looking for volunteers who have a genuine interest and understanding of people of all backgrounds. Volunteers are welcome to join HomePlate to serve a meal and interact with youth. Click here to learn more about the Thursday night opportunity. With the numbers of homeless youth continuing to increase, HomePlate is always looking for new core volunteers that will make an ongoing commitment. Click here to learn more about becoming a core volunteer. To learn more about HomePlate, you can visit their website at www.homeplateyouth.com