YE

Youth Empowerment Shelter (YES)

The only organization in the Columbia River Gorge that focuses solely on youth experiencing houselessness.

Program Overview

YES provides housing and crisis services to youth ages 10–24 through two main housing programs and a range of community-based supports.

YES House

YES House is a 24/7/365 crisis shelter for youth ages 10–19. It provides access to basic needs — shelter, food, clothing, and safety — as well as supportive services like life skills and case management. Since 2016, YES House has provided over 10,500 nights of shelter to youth in need.

Transition House

Transition House is a subsidized rental program for young adults ages 17–24 experiencing houselessness. It offers an affordable living space alongside weekly case management and life-skill-building support to help young adults prepare for independence.

Community-based services

Beyond housing, YES runs weekly NA meetings for young adults, a weekly Art program with a local artist, ongoing Magic the Gathering nights for the community, outreach services, and family support services like mediation.

Giving Opportunities

There are many ways to support the youth YES serves — from monthly donations to picking up cans and bottles.

Become a monthly donor

Donate by check, set up a bill-pay option through your bank, or sign up to become a monthly donor on the YES website. Monthly giving provides predictable funding for ongoing services.

Link your Fred Meyer account

Once you link your Fred Meyer account to YES, Fred Meyer will donate to YES every time you make a purchase.

Bottle & can drives

YES has an ongoing Blue Bag bottle drive. Grab a blue bag, fill it with cans and bottles, and drop it off on the YES porch. All proceeds go directly to youth activities, events, and earned-income opportunities. Or donate the funds from your existing Green Bag Bottle Drop account.

Amazon Wish List

Purchase supplies from the YES Amazon Wish List — backpacks, water bottles, socks, weighted blankets, and more. Items go directly to youth when they enter YES programs.

Volunteer

Sign up to volunteer at YES events and help expand community connection to the shelter.

Qualified Charitable Distributions

Are you 70½ or older? Consider a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) from your IRA and exclude the amount from taxable income.

Workplace giving & matching

Ask your employer to match your contributions, or fundraise on Facebook for a special event (birthday, anniversary) listing YES as the charity recipient.

Legacy Giving

Consider naming YES in your will to support youth experiencing houselessness for generations to come.

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Initial content imported from the 2026–2027 Gorge Giving Guide, published by Columbia Gorge News.

Last updated .