Imagine walking into a space where you are viewed as not just another statistic, but as a person with dreams, struggles, and endless potential. A place where people see you, hear you, and genuinely want to help you build the future you deserve. That’s exactly what the Bruce Empowerment Zone (BEZ) and the Resilience Project are creating for young people in Prince George’s County.
Prince George’s County is facing a youth homelessness crisis, over 1,600 young people experience risk factors for homelessness annually, with thousands more at risk due to economic hardship and family instability. Many of these young people, especially LGBTQ and Latino youth, struggle to find care, making an already difficult journey even more isolating. But there’s hope, and it’s rooted in a bold, youth-driven movement that’s redefining how we support young people at risk of homelessness.
Sasha Bruce Youthwork has been at the forefront of Prince George’s County youth homelessness services for over a decade. From establishing the county’s first emergency shelter for youth to leading transformative initiatives like the 100-Day Challenge a component of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program, we’ve been committed to ensuring no young person has to navigate homelessness alone. But the work is far from over. That’s why we launched the Resilience Project—one of only eleven Youth Homelessness Prevention Demonstration Project sites in the country.
This initiative is groundbreaking, not just because of its approach but because of who is leading it. The Resilience Project was co-designed by young people who have lived through the very challenges we seek to address. Members of the Prince George’s County Youth Action Board (YAB) and Sasha Bruce’s Youth Council, The CURB, helped shape everything from policies to outreach strategies, ensuring that the program meets young people where they are, literally and figuratively.
At its core, the Resilience Project provides direct cash transfers, resilience coaching, housing navigation, and community support. Since early 2024, 24 young people have received monthly cash assistance, and 38 initial enrollees have had ongoing case management. Now, thanks to a new partnership with the University of Maryland, the program is expanding to provide financial support to 50 homeless youth pursuing higher education. Because stability isn’t just about having a place to sleep, it’s about having the opportunity to thrive
The impact is real. Take one of our participants, who received a $5,000 cash transfer. He shared how this financial support not only helped his family stay on top of rent and utilities but also allowed him to purchase a musical instrument—something that has given him peace, purpose, and even scholarships for his musical talent. Another young woman, a determined college student, found herself overwhelmed by financial stress, family struggles, and the pressure to succeed. After connecting with Sasha Bruce Youthwork, she gained access to resources that helped her stabilize her situation, focus on school, and build a path toward a sustainable career.
But the Resilience Project isn’t just about individual success stories, it’s about building a community where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered. At the Bruce Empowerment Zone, youth can access case management, survival services like food and transportation assistance, and peer support through group sessions. One recent session on “productive procrastination” gave young people the space to openly discuss struggles with motivation, share strategies, and walk away with personalized action plans. It’s these small but powerful moments of connection that make the difference.
Partnerships have also played a key role in expanding our reach. This past holiday season, the Prince George’s County Drop-In Center partnered with local organizations to distribute 500 turkeys to families in need, ensuring that no one in our community went without a warm meal. In another effort, our team worked tirelessly to connect a transgender Latina youth with stable housing and, after a few setbacks, successfully guided her into a program where she is now receiving the support she needs to rebuild her life.
This work isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. It’s about breaking cycles of instability, amplifying youth voices, and providing not only services, but opportunities. And thanks to the support of donors, volunteers, and partners, we’re proving that when young people are given the resources they need, they don’t just survive—they thrive.
As we continue this journey, we invite you to be a part of it. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support ensures that more young people find stability, confidence, and hope. Because we believe that every young person deserves the chance to write their own story, and we’re here to help them do that.
