House of Hope's new Drop-In Center gives at-risk youths a fun, safe space in Green Bay

GREEN BAY - Last year, a 17-year-old girl staying at a Green Bay homeless center had a vision for change.

She had been a resident of the Hope Center, House of Hope's wing for people 17 and younger, but had recently transferred to the adult wing. Being separated from her new friends bummed her out, but the only thing dividing the two wings was an unremarkable atrium. She had an idea.

In place of the atrium, she drew a new space that offered respite, activities, resources and, importantly, connection. She told Beth Hudak, director of community engagement, that young people needed a safe place to live, interact and feel empowered.

Ensuring that children and adolescents are off the street is part of House of Hope's mission. Without intervention, young people without shelter are more likely to drop out of high school, fall prey to exploitation including sex trafficking, and become chronically homeless adults.

House of Hope has been a shelter and resource center for homeless youths for over 20 years, one of only two such places in the state licensed to house youths ages 0 to 17 — including teenage mothers and their children. Since the 17-year-old presented her drawing of the new space to Hudak, House of Hope and the Brown County Youth Action Board have been working to make her vision come to life.

That day of fruition officially came Monday. House of Hope's Drop-In Center is a space where young people up to 24 years old who are at-risk or homeless can connect, find resources, hunker down to do homework, play video games or crack open a can of Coke and rest on a couch. The space, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event, is a youth-focused resource available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year.

RELATED:House of Hope receives the biggest grant from Gannett Foundation, addressing youth homelessness

RELATEDMinors in Wisconsin need approval for physical, mental care. What if their parents refuse?

"Here we are, just over one year later, opening the Drop-In at House of Hope for youth just like her," Hudak said. "Here youth experiencing homelessness will be able to access resources to help them find permanent housing solutions, to access education and employment opportunities, and encouragement and support from caring, safe adults."

There's also ample opportunity for fun.

The space is outfitted with a Nintendo Switch room, a carpet ball table, a mini-fridge, a microwave, a study room and lounge chairs. That the space was made by and for young people means a lot to Lola Skenandore, a former resident of House of Hope when she was 21.

"They've got things to get through the day-to-day with the Drop-In Center to keep them occupied, but the bottom line is, it's a safe spot. There's not a lot of that out there, especially as our community grows," Skenandore said. "Can you imagine somebody not having access to the internet to get homework done? It's safe here and they'll be supported 100%."

Skenandore first came to House of Hope with her 1-year-old son in 2014. Her first night at the shelter was "absolutely terrifying." Her heart was broken after she lost the comfort of home. She didn't know what to do with a very young child in the long term, but she said her experience with House of Hope made those worries easier to manage. The staff was personable and she emphasized the power that a safe presence can have when people feel their most vulnerable.

Skenandore became a board member of House of Hope this past summer and cried when she got her nametag. She said the recognition is important because, as a person of color and a former resident, she is able to bring new perspectives to the board and engage in the good work ahead with the organization.

In October, House of Hope received a $100,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation, one of only three organizations in the country to receive such a large award. The funding pushed the possibilities for the Drop-In Center "over the edge," said Liz Krumwiede, community engagement coordinator at House of Hope.

"The money makes it sustainable, too. We are going to be able to hire new staff specifically for the drop-in center. We'll be able to get video games so kids can feel like kids again. We're getting new furniture. That money is making it possible for us to have this space, possible for us to staff it and to make it comfortable and cozy."

Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for USA TODAY NETWORK-Central Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her Twitter profile at @natalie_eilbert. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741.