“Everyone on the Street Outreach team brings something special to the program,” says Anne Shulga, Outreach Supervisor at Urban Peak. “Whether it’s a passion for helping youth with substance abuse issues or single moms, we play off each others’ strength. But our number one asset is our ability to build relationships with the young people we see on the streets every day.”

The Urban Peak Street Outreach Team consists of eight staff members and one Urban Servant Corps volunteer. Team members go out each day to connect young people on the streets with the services and support they need to improve their situation. From a pair of socks or hygiene products, to HIV/AIDS testing or information on Urban Peak services, the team understands that a small gesture can make a big difference in the life of a homeless youth. Currently, they are making 300-400 unduplicated contacts per month.

“Most of these youth don’t have anybody,” continues Shulga. “They don’t have a family or any other support system. Many are also dealing with mental health or substance abuse challenges, often both. So it can take months, even years to gain their trust.”

Shulga, who has been helping at-risk and homeless youth for nearly a decade and with Urban Peak for six years, explains that for many youth living on the streets, seeing an outreach worker on a consistent basis may be the only stable part of their lives. “Establishing trust helps us get youth into services,” she says. “Once they begin participating in services, they begin to buy into their own ability to succeed.”

Six days a week, the Outreach team connects with youth who come from many different places. Many have aged out of the foster care system, or have been in youth corrections. Many come from abusive living situations. Some are part of a family unit that is experiencing economic hardships. The current economy also has produced more 21-24 year olds who are not eligible for the Urban Peak youth shelter, yet find it difficult to stay in an adult shelter. The team often sees young parents with small children and through a partnership with the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless makes every effort to provide appropriate wrap around services including family housing.

Moreover, as the Urban Peak Street Outreach Program moves forward, the need to provide even more case management services and more resources such as housing for youth coming right off the street will increase, as will the need to explore more options throughout the community such as in-patient mental health and substance abuse treatment.

When asked what she’s learned in her time helping homeless youth, Shulga says, “I’ve built many meaningful relationships with young people. I’ve come to realize that the decision is in the hands of the youth, it’s up to them, and we are here to support. I’ve learned to listen more and ask ‘What do you want?’ Then we can help guide the youth to success on their terms.”

SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH OUR
STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM

Case Management
Drop-in Services
ID/Documentation Assistance
Basic Needs Supplies - Hygiene
Products, Clothing, Food
Basic Medical Services (including
nursing students on outreach)
Safe Sex Kits
Bleach Kits
HIV Rapid Testing
STD Testing
Crisis Intervention
ART FROM ASHES Poetry Class
Basketball Team
Breakfast (5 days/week)
Weekly Barbeque
Friday Fun Day
Resource Fairs
Referrals to Partner Resources
HIKE - Health Intervention
Knowledge Education Program
Medical/Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse Treatment
Access to all other UP Programs