Sanctuary for young and homeless

On any given morning, some 500 young Utahns wake up on the streets of Salt Lake County. That is, if they slept at all. Many will stay awake all night, mostly for safety reasons.

It's what 21-year-old Ben did for several months earlier this year: stay awake at night and go to the Homeless Youth Resource Center during the day for food, shelter and to catch up on his sleep.

Ben was back at the center Tuesday, his first time after five months away. He doesn't consider himself homeless now, just "struggling." And this center, 655 S. State, is where he turns when he finds himself in need.

"I usually come here when I'm struggling, find me something to eat," Ben said.

Ben had more company than usual on Tuesday, competing for limited space with dozens of government officials, community advocates and donors during a two-hour open house meant to raise awareness about Utah's homeless youths.

"It is important to realize that everyone does not have a happy home situation," said Barbara Sullivan, board chairwoman for Volunteers of America, which runs the center.

The Homeless Youth Resource Center serves youths ages 15 to 22. Of the 470 people served last year, all reported a history of verbal, physical or sexual abuse prior to becoming homeless. Nearly all of them report being "throwaway youths" rather than runaway youths, and 75 percent have been involved in the state's foster care system.

Kathryn Lindquist is a longtime donor to the Homeless Youth Resource Center, as well as other youth-oriented organizations. She has always made the donations in the name of her son, who is now 24 years old. And though he's far from homeless, Lindquist wants her son to feel a connection to other youths who didn't have the opportunities he had growing up.

"He's always just kind of on the edge, and I want him to be very conscious of the young people who don't have the choices that he has," she said. "I know how tenuous the connection to home can be for some young people."

Lindquist visited the center Tuesday for the first time in years. While she noted the sparse surroundings — the building used to be a garage and still has a distinct warehouse feel to it — she appreciated the personal touches, such as the youths' own artwork and photography on the walls, and the young staff's energy.

"I'm impressed that there are people that make it go," she said, "who are here and offer their personal warmth and caring."