Youth Empowered Society (YES) is Baltimore City’s only drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness—and a long-time partner of Health Care for the Homeless. We chatted with Program Director Ciera Dunlap about the need for youth services, the new location and the year ahead.

YES Drop-In Center first opened in 2012. Have you seen changes in youth homelessness since then?

One of the biggest changes we have begun to see is an increase in parenting and pregnant youth, making it an intergenerational issue. During the pandemic, many young people lost employment and other sources of income, making it harder to access housing, health care, and contraception. Furthermore, many homeless youth, particularly young women, turn to ”survival sex”—exchanging sex for food, shelter, money, or protection.

Systemic racism is another significant factor. Many of the youth we serve are Black and face persistent discrimination in education, employment, and health care.
This systemic inequity limits their access to resources and support systems, which can contribute to higher rates of unintended pregnancies.

Shelters and services for homeless youth often lack the resources or infrastructure to adequately address the needs of pregnant teens or young parents.

Tell us about the new location.

In early October, we moved into a large office in Mt Vernon (1111 Park Ave—across from the Cultural Center light rail stop). The space is divided into a drop-in/program space and a staff workspace. At this new location, youth can access:

• Traditional drop-in services like food, a kitchenette, hygiene supplies, and a warm and safe space
• Housing-focused support to obtain or maintain stable housing
• Youth-led, trauma-informed supportive services related to self-identified goals, including benefits assistance, employment connections, legal counseling, harm reduction, parenting/pregnancy support, and more

What role do youth play in shaping YES priorities?

YES was founded by youth facing homelessness and youth continue to determine the direction of the program. Youth were involved with developing YES’ new strategic plan, in the interview process for new employees, and in the search for the new space. Youth provide live feedback to program staff daily and complete feedback surveys. We are currently working with a few youth to decorate and determine the layout of the new drop-in center.

What advocacy work are you focused on in 2025?

Maryland was recently awarded $2 million to improve youth homelessness response systems in the state. YES is currently collaborating with the Baltimore City Youth Action Board, the State of Maryland, and the Baltimore City Continuum of Care—working to reduce barriers to housing and to ensure that youth voices guide the changes. Baltimore’s existing homelessness response system encompasses shelters, outreach programs, housing providers, and other service organizations that work collaboratively to connect individuals to housing and supportive services. However, there is no comprehensive community plan focused on engaging and betterconnecting youth to these vital services.

How can readers support?

Do your part to stop the stigma associated with housing instability. Learn about the root causes of youth homelessness and share that knowledge. Homelessness is not a personal failure.

To make a donation, drop off supplies or volunteer with YES, visit yesdropincenter.org.

Learn More about YES