An Evening in SILK: Celebrating 20 Years of Outreach, Hope & Community Impact in Snohomish County
Save the Date! Join us on October 10th at Tulalip Resort Casino for the 20th anniversary of An Evening in SILK, Cocoon House’s signature auction gala - an exquisite, milestone celebration of two decades dedicated to preventing and ending youth homelessness across Snohomish County.
Looking Back: The Butterfly Effect
Last year, at our 19th Annual An Evening in SILK: The Butterfly Effect, we reflected on the idea that one small action can cause a ripple of positive change in the lives of young people experiencing homelessness. While the Butterfly Effect was originally applied to the sciences, it carries a powerful meaning for communities too — illustrating how even the smallest act of kindness can multiply into big changes for the future.
Looking Ahead: 20 Years of SILK
This year marks the 20th anniversary of An Evening in SILK — a milestone celebration of two decades of community impact and unwavering support for youth experiencing homelessness. Together, we will honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of programs that help young people and their families thrive.
Why This Evening Matters More Than Ever
National Context
An estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness each year in the United States, and 700,000 of these are unaccompanied minors who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian. NCSL
On a single night in 2024, approximately 771,480 people were experiencing homelessness nationwide, an 18 percent increase from the previous year; among them, nearly 150,000 were children under 18, marking a 33 percent rise in child homelessness year over year. Reuters
Washington State Snapshot
In the 2022–2023 school year, more than 42,000 students in Washington experienced homelessness — nearly one in every 30 students. Of those, only 24 percent were proficient in English language arts versus 53 percent of their housed peers, and just 15 percent met math standards compared to 41 percent of housed students. Building Changes
Between 2016 and 2022, youth homelessness in Washington dropped 40 percent, declining from nearly 24,000 individuals to just over 14,000 — a testament to the growing impact of prevention efforts. Axios
Local Impact: Snohomish County
During the January 2024 Point-in-Time count, Snohomish County recorded 1,140 individuals in 890 households experiencing homelessness — including both sheltered and unsheltered individuals.
In the 2021–2022 school year, between 1 percent and nearly 11 percent of K–12 students across Snohomish County school districts experienced housing instability. snohd.org
Summary
Nationally, youth homelessness affects millions annually and continues to rise, especially among children.
At the state level in Washington, a dramatic decrease over six years highlights what effective prevention can achieve.
Locally, the need remains pressing — thousands of young people and families in Snohomish County still face houselessness and instability.
Cocoon House Outreach in Action Across Snohomish County
As Snohomish County’s cornerstone nonprofit serving homeless youth since 1991, Cocoon House continues to deliver life-changing services that prevent and end youth homelessness throughout the Snohomish County region. Our work goes beyond crisis response. We walk alongside young people and their families as they build stability, confidence, and a path toward a brighter future.
Street Outreach brings essential resources directly to youth where they are, whether on the streets, at schools, in encampments, or in parks. Teams provide food, hygiene packs, tents, and other basics. The heart of this work is trust-building. Outreach staff connect youth to case management, health services, and long-term solutions tailored to individuals up to age 24.
U-Turn Drop-In Center is Cocoon House’s low-barrier space open six days a week in Everett. Youth can access showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, meals, and even a music recording studio that encourages creativity and self-expression. U-Turn also hosts legal and medical clinics, substance use and mental health counseling, and provides a safe place where youth connect with trained Advocates who support their goals.
Case Management gives youth one-on-one guidance to achieve stability and independence. Staff help youth secure IDs, earn food handler cards, access legal aid, find employment, and pursue education. From preparing for a job interview to enrolling in school or addressing mental health challenges, Cocoon House staff ensure no young person faces these barriers alone.
Youth Housing provides safe shelter and housing options for youth ages 12 to 17 who are experiencing homelessness. Cocoon House offers both short-term emergency shelter and longer-term housing that helps youth stabilize, reconnect with supportive adults, and plan for their next steps.
Young Adult Housing supports youth ages 18 to 24 with transitional and independent housing options. Cocoon House also offers referrals to additional community housing programs, ensuring young adults have access to safe, stable homes where they can continue their journey toward independence.
Family Engagement strengthens families by offering education and supportive programming to parents and caregivers. The Family Engagement Team helps adults understand adolescent development, improve communication, and rebuild trust with their young person. Family stability is one of the most powerful tools for preventing homelessness.
Together, these programs form a continuum of care and a vital community safety net for young people in crisis. Cocoon House meets young people at every stage, from first outreach contact to stable housing and family healing, providing guidance, encouragement, and resources that ensure youth are never alone in their journey.
A Night to Honor, More Than a Celebration
An Evening in SILK is more than a celebration—it’s a statement of enduring commitment: to uphold dignity and opportunity for young people experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County.
This year’s gala invites you to:
Reflect on 20 years of impact and community partnership in Everett and Snohomish County
Stand together in artistry, elegance, and purpose
Propel us toward the next two decades of hope and transformation for youth experiencing homelessness in our region
Join Us in Creating the Next Chapter for Homeless Youth in Everett and Snohomish County
As we raise our glasses in silk and candlelight, we also raise our hands in partnership.
Your attendance at the 20th Anniversary of An Evening in SILK, held in Tulalip, WA, isn’t just a gesture—it’s a catalyst to support youth homelessness outreach and prevention efforts in Snohomish County. Together, we can continue to break cycles, rewrite trajectories, and build futures.
Will you join us in shaping the next 20 years of inspiring hope and growth for homeless youth in Snohomish County? Mark your calendar, secure your seat, and step into an evening where every moment resonates with impact.