youth in action! Ruby shares her YAP experience

For Ruby, supporting families at Mary’s Place has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her mom works at Mary’s Place, and Ruby grew up volunteering at events and seeing firsthand the impact the organization has on families experiencing homelessness. So when she learned about the Youth Action Program (YAP), she knew it was something she wanted to be part of.

“I was really excited to apply,” Ruby shares. “I wanted the opportunity to meet peers who care about learning more about the challenges our community faces and want to make an impact.”

Ruby’s first experience with YAP took place at the Allen Family Center during a winter holiday event, where she helped families wrap gifts for their children. It was a moment that stuck with her—not just because of the holiday spirit, but because of the joy she witnessed.

The Allen Family Center (AFC), located just off the Mt. Baker light rail station in Seattle.

“There were two little boys playing football near our wrapping table for most of the time,” she shares. “I loved seeing them laugh together and get so excited for the presents they were going to receive. Though I can only imagine the challenges they face, in that moment, they were just kids having fun.”

Now, Ruby volunteers at the Allen Family Center every Wednesday afternoon, helping organize the donation supply room and supporting staff wherever needed.

“My favorite part about volunteering is working with the amazing employees,” says Ruby. “They are so genuine, kind, helpful, and dedicated to their work. It’s been really inspiring to learn from them, and they’ve all made me feel so comfortable.”

Through YAP, Ruby is also deepening her understanding of homelessness beyond what she’s seen firsthand. As part of the program’s book club, she and her peers are reading Homelessness is a Housing Problem by Gregg Colburn and Clayton Aldern, which explores the root causes of homelessness and challenges common misconceptions.

“It’s helping me understand that there simply isn’t enough affordable housing,” Ruby explains. “There are a lot of misconceptions, but Mary’s Place is there to support families through difficult times and help them find stable homes.”

That understanding is deeply personal for Ruby. While she grew up in a safe and stable home, she’s seen peers face very different realities.

“At my elementary and middle schools, some of my classmates didn’t have a safe place to sleep, warm clothing, or even food,” she shares. “Everyone deserves a safe and stable home.”

Through her work with YAP, Ruby hopes to shift how other young people see homelessness and the families experiencing it.

“I want people my age to know that the families at the Allen Family Center are wonderful, and nobody wants to be unhoused,” she says. “In most cases, a crisis, like losing a job or a medical emergency, forced them to make impossible choices and ultimately left them unable to keep up with rent.”

Ruby’s journey with YAP is a powerful reminder that young people are not only capable of understanding complex issues, but they’re also ready to be part of the solution. By showing up, learning, and leading with empathy, Ruby is helping build a more informed and compassionate community—one Wednesday afternoon at a time!