Building Community at Prior Crossing
A Service Programming Spotlight
“Living here and building these relationships is healing,” expressed Terriannah, a resident at Prior Crossing—one of three of Beacon’s supportive homes that serve youth exiting homelessness and instability. “Being here feels reassuring. The staff is so personable, and the residents are welcoming,” Terriannah explains.
As burgers cook on the grill out in the courtyard, Terriannah and her neighbors gather for a community BBQ at Prior Crossing. A great spread of food and perfect weather for a basketball game set the tone for a wonderful afternoon ahead.
“All the events and programs we host here are geared towards building community,” explained Sterling Adams, one of the Youth Support Specialists from the YMCA, Beacon’s onsite service provider at Prior Crossing. “When residents show up to events like the BBQ, they get what they need in the moment. Sometimes that’s a feeling of comfort or just a smile for the day.”
“Today is about developing relationships,” exclaimed Zach Wilmot, another Youth Support Specialist. “Folks are pitching in! Residents are offering to help me on the grill and are cutting up some vegetables. Together, we’re building trust and strengthening relationships.” (Pictured: Residents helping prepare vegetables.)
A diverse building, Prior Crossing serves youth ages 16 to 26, many of whom come from different backgrounds and cultures. Service staff describe this community as growing and developing but also challenging. As our onsite service provider, staff from the YMCA connect residents to resources and opportunities that assist them with maintaining their stability and growth.
“We aim to be led by resident voice,” shared Maddie Moran, the Youth Support Program Manager. “Whenever a youth comes to us with an idea for a building event, we try our best to make it happen!”
“As I get to know our residents, I am able to show them all the resources that are around. I just try to throw as many resources their way as I can,” Zach added.
Whether residents like Terriannah are attending the BBQ, participating in the building’s art club, or going down to the YMCA gym as a group, their participation can lead them to opportunities outside of the building.
(Pictured: Terriannah and Maddie Moran.)
“Knowing there is more out there can be a transformative thought for somebody who has lived through a lot of crisis or trauma,” Maddie explained. “Our team provides them with a lot of great opportunities and resources. One is the Career Pathways program, where participants can get a 100-hour stipend to work within a department at the YMCA. It’s a great way for them to try new jobs and earn new skills.”
By offering these supportive services and programs to residents, Maddie and the staff at Prior Crossing create healthy relationships with residents and set the stage for future development.
“Residents come here with everything under the sun. Different trauma, different stories, and different experiences,” Sterling continued. “Understanding what they need from a youth-centered perspective is important. We’re walking with our residents and pointing them towards new opportunities that show them the value of their personal stability.”
It takes about $1,000 a month to provide each resident with personalized case management and supportive services across Beacon’s supportive housing developments. For youth exiting homelessness, these services connect young people to their future and ensure they remain stably housed.
(Pictured: Residents gathering at the BBQ to get food.)
“We’re helping residents get to the next stage of life,” Zach said. “Getting someone into housing after experiencing trauma or homelessness is like putting a bandage on something that’s bleeding. We need to continuously nurture and support them so there is healing.”
“I think we do a great job with the healing part,” Maddie smiled. “For most of our residents, this is their first apartment. When we move in, young people get to grab all the supplies they need from our supply closet to make their homes their own. They also get a homemade quilt.”
Not only do new residents receive all the essentials they need to furnish their new homes, but they also receive a warm welcome from longtime residents of the building. While each resident comes to Prior Crossing with a different story, they each share a sense of community. Many residents understand each other’s journey. By spending time together and using the onsite supportive services, residents gain a sense of connection, confidence, and direction to a degree that very few of them have felt before.
“Many of these kids at Prior Crossing grew up not having anything to call their own. They are used to always being in crisis mode,” observed Sterling. “Now, they have their own place to call home and a sense of ownership over their personal wellbeing. Helping them build some of those safety nets is key. It leads to a sense of stability and trust.”
Reflecting on the time spent with the residents, Maddie and the staff at Prior Crossing are reminded of the simple moments when friendships were made and new residents attended events.
“This past winter, a brand new resident attended our holiday party. He was shy and sat with me. He told me his goal was to be there for at least 15 minutes,” Maddie smiled and reflected. “Well, we got to talking, and he stayed the entire time. Now, I see that resident at every event we host!”
Looking into the future, Maddie and the staff at Prior Crossing hope to create a youth advisory board so residents can have more of a voice in the building. Working with residents to help plan building events like the BBQ, Prior Crossing staff empower residents to practice everyday skills such as planning, communicating, and community building.
“The supportive services approach offers a more person-centered approach to housing,” Maddie exclaimed.
“It’s the why of why we do this work,” Sterling concluded.
Will you help support the growing communities within our Beacon homes? Click here to make a gift and help us get closer to our vision that all people have a home.
Click here to read more about our partners at the YMCA.
