“Having a safe place to stay means I can focus on finding a job and taking care of my baby. It’s a blessing.“
Olaiya’s Cradle, a Sasha Bruce Youthwork program providing young mothers and their children with a safe place to live and the support they need to rebuild their lives, was at risk of shutting down. Earlier this year, we heard from HUD that after 38 years, they would no longer be funding our maternal group home. Without the funds, we would be at risk of closing part of the program.
Without Olaiya’s Cradle, many young mothers and babies would be displaced. Mothers who had been working to overcome homelessness and create a positive path for themselves and their babies.
Can you imagine having all of this progress, and then your support system and your home vanish?
The need for support became more urgent than ever.
By working with the Washington Post, we were able to spread the news about how mothers in our program may be displaced (May 3, 2024 article: “Young mothers at risk of homelessness…”).
This resulted in an outpouring of support from the community, raising enough money to keep the doors open and continue providing case management, parenting classes, client supports, and building operations. (June 15, 2024 article: “The feds cut funds to a D.C. home for young moms. Donors rallied to save it.”)
More than 100 community members, longtime supporters as well as caring neighbors, rallied together to raise $500,000 and show these young families they are never alone.
Many donors even went above and beyond to commit to a recurring gift, providing a reliable stream of resources to youth in need.
The outpouring of generosity and compassion was nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to generous contributions, this essential program will continue providing critical support through transitional living accommodations and support services.
One mother, Tiffany, expressed her gratitude: “Without Olaiya’s Cradle, I don’t know where my daughter and I would be today. They gave us a chance when no one else would.”
Another mom, Maria, shared her relief and joy: “Having a safe place to stay means I can focus on finding a job and taking care of my baby. It’s a blessing.“
These stories are a testament to the life-changing impact of programs like Olaiya’s Cradle and the incredible solutions your support can provide to ensure that every family in the Washington, D.C., region has a chance to thrive.
To read more about this inspiring story and see how your contributions have made a profound impact, click here.
In the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County, MD, more than 1,300 young individuals will face homelessness this year. When you give to Sasha Bruce Youthwork, you’re not only supporting an exceptional organization, but you’re also providing vital survival services to youth living on the streets, offering a safe haven for young parents to raise their children, and empowering aspiring leaders through workforce training. Your contribution helps create a thriving community where everyone, including formerly homeless youth, can flourish.
With your support, we can work together to end youth homelessness within our lifetime.
