Seattle Youth Homelessness Nonprofit Workers Resign Over Shelter Concerns (Seattle, Washington)

Sherrie Weis, a former case manager at YouthCare’s adolescent shelter in Seattle, resigned in November after repeated layoffs left the facility understaffed. She described conditions where children missed medical appointments, expired food remained in the fridge, and youth were effectively trapped in the building. Weis, who worked 20-hour shifts, said the work was challenging but rewarding when she could help teens move toward better situations. She could no longer continue under the circumstances.

Weis was not alone in her resignation. Former and current employees at one of the few remaining shelters have raised concerns about the program’s future and the well-being of the youth it serves. They have reported issues to the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, which funds YouthCare, and to the state, which oversees youth shelter licensing. Both agencies are investigating the reports.

YouthCare has faced criticism for recent program closures and staff reductions. Last summer, the organization shut down two transitional housing programs and a day center, consolidating shelter services. This summer, it closed a shelter for undocumented immigrant youth, citing anticipated federal funding shifts. In June, it laid off 28 additional employees, and in July, the organization’s CEO resigned after employees protested the cuts.

Interim CEO Marty Hartman, who previously led Mary’s Place, a family homelessness nonprofit, stated that each decision followed new funding changes and was based on the best information available. She noted that previous leaders faced a difficult choice: close the adolescent shelter program or downsize it. They opted for the latter.

Hartman emphasized that the organization is working closely with staff to manage the transition, which has involved shifts in schedules, roles, and responsibilities. However, former and current employees continue to express concern over the impact on the youth they serve. They stress the importance of ensuring that vulnerable young people are not left without support or forced to sleep on the streets.

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