Because Someone Showed Up
Cocoon House’s fiscal year ends on June 30th. Throughout this month, we’re sharing stories of resilience, safety, and long-term impact — and inviting our community to help ensure young people continue to have a safe place to turn.
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
A Message From Our CEO
Every day, young people in our community turn to Cocoon House for safety, support, and hope.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year, we’re reflecting on the lives changed through this community’s support and the work still ahead.
See the impact of your support
simone’s story
There was a time when Simone wasn't sure where she would sleep each night.
While experiencing chronic homelessness and navigating a severe domestic violence relationship, safety and stability felt out of reach. Day-to-day survival left little room to think about the future.
When Simone connected with Cocoon House, she was facing challenges that no young person should have to face alone.
With support from Cocoon House and domestic violence services, Simone was connected to emergency shelter and began experiencing something she hadn't felt in a long time: safety.
As trust grew and stability began to take root, Simone transitioned from emergency shelter into more stable housing and eventually secured permanent housing.
Simone, who identifies as a disabled young person of color, shared that her time at Cocoon House marked the first time they had truly felt safe in years.
Today, her story is a reminder that housing is more than a roof overhead. It's a foundation for healing. It's a chance to rebuild. It's an opportunity to imagine a future beyond crisis.
Every day, young people come to Cocoon House facing challenges similar to Simone's. They need safe places to stay, supportive adults to walk alongside them, and access to services that help them move toward stability and independence.
As we approach the end of our fiscal year on June 30, your support helps ensure that young people experiencing homelessness have somewhere to turn when they need it most.
ERIN’S STORY
In Part 1 of Erin's story, she shares what it was like growing up without stable housing and navigating uncertainty from a young age.
As a teenager, Erin found herself facing challenges that no young person should have to face alone—including the difficult decision to become emancipated so she could take control of her future.
This is the first chapter of Erin's journey.
Throughout June, we'll be sharing her story and highlighting the impact that safety, support, and stable housing can have on a young person's life.
Watch Part 1 and follow along as we share the rest of Erin's story.
lauren’s story
When Lauren first connected with Cocoon House, she was experiencing homelessness and searching for stability.
Over the past year, she has worked hard to build a different future for herself—one filled with opportunity, growth, and hope.
During her time with Cocoon House, Lauren completed an internship, earned her driver's license, received a car, and made significant progress in strengthening her mental health. She has worked closely with a therapist, consistently set goals for herself, and remained committed to moving forward, even when faced with challenges.
Her journey reflects what can happen when young people have access to safe housing, supportive relationships, and the resources they need to succeed. It also reflects Lauren's own resilience, determination, and willingness to keep working toward her goals.
At Cocoon House, we are honored to walk alongside young people like Lauren as they build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Lauren's story is a reminder that homelessness does not define a young person's future. With support and opportunity, young people can thrive.
erin’s story
After becoming emancipated at just 16 years old, Erin was working two jobs while finishing high school. She had learned to be independent, but like every young person, she still needed support.
When Erin found a small trailer she could afford, she was just a few hundred dollars short of being able to move in. Her high school counselor, Rose, stepped in and paid the remaining costs so Erin could secure stable housing.
Looking back, Erin describes that moment as one of the biggest turning points in her life.
Having a place to call her own gave her something she had never experienced before: stability. She could stay in the same school, maintain healthy relationships, and begin focusing on building her future instead of simply surviving.
Soon after, Erin's aunt and uncle helped her purchase her first car, giving her the freedom to get to work, attend school, and say yes to opportunities she couldn't have reached otherwise.
These may have seemed like small acts of kindness, but together they became the foundation for everything that followed.
At Cocoon House, we see this every day. Safe housing, caring adults, and practical support don't just meet immediate needs—they create opportunities for young people to build brighter futures.
Erin's story is a reminder that when someone chooses to invest in a young person, even in seemingly small ways, the impact can last a lifetime.
HEATHER’s story
Shortly after turning 18, Heather connected with Cocoon House after experiencing more than a year of homelessness while navigating an abusive relationship.
Without stable housing or consistent support, imagining a different future felt overwhelming. But through safe housing, trauma-informed care, and trusted relationships, Heather began taking the first steps toward rebuilding her life.
Working alongside Cocoon House staff, Heather developed a safety plan, secured stable housing, and made the courageous decision to leave her abuser.
Today, Heather continues working toward long-term stability, independence, and healing.
Her story is a reminder that housing is only the beginning. Young people also need compassionate support, trusted adults, and the opportunity to rebuild their confidence as they create a safer future.
At Cocoon House, we believe every young person deserves the chance to choose safety, discover their strength, and build a life filled with hope. Heather's journey is one example of what becomes possible when that support is available.
erin’s story
When Erin looks back on her journey, she doesn't see one defining moment.
She sees people.
A high school counselor who believed in her. Friends who shared meals. Family members who helped her find housing and transportation. Adults who offered guidance, encouragement, and opportunities she didn't know existed.
Each act of kindness was a rung on the ladder that helped her climb out of crisis.
Today, Erin has built a stable life, a successful career, and a family of her own. But she knows that none of it happened alone.
Her message to young people experiencing homelessness is simple: what you're experiencing today doesn't have to define your future.
And her message to all of us is just as powerful:
It's never too late to step in and help.
Every day, Cocoon House walks alongside young people as they build brighter futures. Whether it's providing safe shelter, stable housing, supportive relationships, or simply reminding a young person that they are worthy of hope, every act of support matters.
Erin's story reminds us that changing a life rarely happens through one extraordinary gesture. More often, it's a series of ordinary people choosing to show up.
Thank you for being part of that story.
20,124
nights young people had somewhere safe to sleep
25,364
meals provided to young people experiencing homelessness
1,200+
young people and families turned to Cocoon House for support
Why June 30 Matters
Fiscal year-end support helps Cocoon House continue providing immediate shelter, outreach, housing support, and critical services for young people across Snohomish County.
Every gift made before June 30 helps ensure young people continue to have safe places, supportive adults, and opportunities to build stable futures.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
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First Fed Community Bank
$5,000 MATCH!
We are incredibly grateful to First Fed Community Bank for their generous $5,000 matching gift in support of Cocoon House's Fiscal Year-End Campaign.For more than 100 years, First Fed has invested in the well-being of communities across Washington State. Through community partnerships, volunteerism, and philanthropic support, First Fed is committed to helping people and communities thrive.
Their $5,000 match means that every dollar donated during this portion of our campaign will go twice as far to support young people experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County.
Because of partners like First Fed, young people can access safe shelter, stable housing, mental health support, outreach services, and caring adults who help them build brighter futures.
Thank you, First Fed Community Bank, for helping create safety, stability, and hope for young people in our community.
You Can Help Change a Young Person’s Story
When a young person has nowhere else to turn, Cocoon House is here. Your support before June 30 helps provide shelter, stability, and hope for youth in our community.