Friends of Youth broke ground on its Homeless Youth Services Campus Project in Kirkland, the former home of Grace Chapel at 13116 N.E. 132nd St. on June 26.

The groundbreaking marked a significant step forward in the implementation of the organization’s recently adopted new strategic plan.

Central to that plan is creating a campus to accomplish three things: creating a visible headquarters and heart for the agency; consolidating its Youth Haven program for youth in crisis in one home and expanding the organization’s ability to accommodate additional youth in the program; and providing additional transitional housing for formerly homeless young adults as they achieve their employment and educational goals and work to secure safe and stable permanent housing.

Phase One of the project will begin immediately and includes work to remodel the current church building as Friends of Youth headquarters. In October, FOY will begin work on the Youth Haven home. Built to be warm and welcoming for our youth, the home will immediately be available for up to 10 youth, five girls and five boys, in need of a caring home during a crisis.

“Today we take an important step forward in our ongoing work to prevent and end youth homelessness in our community. This new campus will give us the ability to ensure that no young person experiences a night on the streets, and strengthens our ability to give youth a safe place and brighter future,” said CEO Terry Pottmeyer.

Friends of Youth delivers a comprehensive range of therapeutic services for youth, young adults and families. With 60 years of experience, national accreditation and 21 program sites, the agency provides safe places to live and emotional support for youth and families in challenging circumstances.

For more information, visit www.friendsofyouth.org.