Street Youth Ministries

What Street Youth Ministries does

Street Youth Ministries (SYM) is a 501(c)(3) Christian faith-based nonprofit organization founded in 1993 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, serving unhoused youth and young adults ages 13-27 in Seattle's University District. The organization operates five interconnected direct-service programs: a Drop-In Center providing food, hygiene facilities (showers, laundry), clothing, and safe community space Monday-Friday 10am-1pm; a Breakfast Program launched October 2024 with Teen Feed providing morning meals at 8:00 AM; Coffee Run mobile street outreach distributing coffee, food, and supplies; one-on-one Case Management for navigating social systems and obtaining identification documents; and Activities & Outings offering recreational experiences. SYM employs approximately 8 staff, supplemented by interns from UW and University of Denver programs and a volunteer network that filled 672 shifts in 2024.

SYM is funded by a diversified mix of individual donations, foundation grants (Kawambe, Hitchman Charitable, Lucky Seven, David McKinley Trust, among others), recurring church partnership contributions from approximately eight church partners, and fundraising events including the Breakfast at 9 annual gala (exceeding $20,000), Bingo fundraisers, Wine Tasting, and Afternoon Tea Luncheon. Notable 2024-2025 strategic activity includes winning the competitive UD Doorway Project grant on June 17, 2025 to manage the University District Youth Center (UDYC) building for the 2025-2027 biennium, anchoring a co-located service hub with seven partner organizations. SYM is governed by a Board of Directors led by Co-Presidents Krista Cook and Keith Cottrill, with Rita Buyco serving as Executive Director since September 2021.

The organization's go-to-market is community-led, relying on direct street outreach, volunteer engagement, church networks, and earned media. Total client participation grew from 2,966 to 7,880 in one year following UDYC expansion, and Drop-In participation increased approximately 99% between July 2023 and June 2025, demonstrating significant demand-side scaling. SYM does not charge for any services and has no proprietary technology product; the entire operating model is human-delivered social service with facility-based and mobile outreach delivery.

Name

Street Youth Ministries

Legal name

Street Youth Ministries

Website

https://symseattle.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Street Youth Ministries is a Christian faith-based nonprofit serving unhoused youth ages 13-27 in Seattle's University District through five programs: Drop-In Center, Breakfast Program, Coffee Run, Case Management, and Activities & Outings.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute financially through the organization's website donation portal and recurring donor programs.
2. Foundation Grants: SYM receives grants from foundations including University Congregational United Church of Christ, Kawambe, Hitchman Charitable, Lucky Seven, and David McKinley Trust.
3. Church Partnerships: Church partners including Newport Presbyterian Church, Union Presbyterian Church, Vineyard Church, University Presbyterian Church, University Congregational United Church of Christ, SeaChurch, Zion Lutheran Church provide financial support, volunteers, and facility provision.
4. Fundraising Events: Annual events including Breakfast at Nine (largest annual fundraiser raising over $20,000), Bingo Fundraisers (Fall and Winter), Wine Tasting, and Afternoon Tea Luncheon.
5. Program-Specific Donations: Donations targeted to specific programs such as Coffee Run outreach, Backpack Drive, and Cold Weather Needs campaigns.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Street Youth Ministries provides free social services to unhoused youth and young adults ages 13-27 in Seattle's University District through five programs: Drop-In Center (food, hygiene, showers, laundry, safe space, open Monday-Friday 10am-1pm), Breakfast Program (morning meal service launched October 2024), Coffee Run (mobile outreach distributing coffee, food, and supplies), Case Management (ID documents, SSA/DSHS navigation, housing and employment support), and Activities & Outings (recreational experiences such as rock climbing, skiing, and zoo trips). All services are delivered free of charge and funded by donations, grants, and fundraising events.

Product overview

Street Youth Ministries (SYM) is a Christian faith-based nonprofit organization offering a suite of social service programs for unhoused youth and young adults (ages 13-27) in Seattle's University District. The organization operates five interconnected programs: the Drop-In Center (providing basic needs, safe space, and primary relationship-building); the Breakfast Program (morning meal service launched October 2024 in partnership with Teen Feed); Coffee Run (street outreach distributing essential supplies); Case Management (one-on-one support for navigating social systems and obtaining resources); and Activities & Outings (recreational experiences including rock climbing, skiing, zoo trips). All programs are designed to build relationships, teach life skills, and affirm the inherent worth of young people, guided by values of connecting, partnering, and affirming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Drop-In Center Free drop-in program providing basic and immediate needs (food, hygiene items, showers, clothing, laundry) and serving as SYM's primary relationship-building space where staff and volunteers meet young people, learn their stories, and connect them to additional programs. Operates Monday-Friday 10am-1pm at the UPC basement and is open to youth ages 13-27 experiencing homelessness in Seattle's University District.
• Breakfast Program Free daily morning meal service launched in October 2024 in partnership with Teen Feed (which sources the food, including 376 pounds in October 2024 and burritos). Operates daily at 8:00 AM at the University District Youth Center, serving breakfast to unhoused youth and young adults as the first program of the day before the Drop-In Center opens.
• Coffee Run Free mobile street outreach program in which SYM staff and volunteers walk around the University District on most mornings, meeting community members who slept outside and offering hot coffee, water bottles, oatmeal, hats, socks, blankets, and jackets. Served 1,972 cups of coffee in 2024 and builds neighborhood relationships beyond those who spend nights outdoors.
• Case Management Free one-on-one support services helping unhoused youth navigate complex social systems, obtain essential identifying documents (birth certificates, IDs), access housing and employment resources, connect with government benefits (SSA, DSHS), and access transportation assistance.
• Activities & Outings Free recreational activities and outings for unhoused youth including skiing and snowboarding, rock climbing, bowling, hiking, whirlyball, and trips to the zoo and aquarium. Provides experiences beyond the streets to build confidence, foster belonging, and create positive memories.

Quantifiable outcome

• Drop-in participation increased nearly 99% between July 2023 and June 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Doorway Project (UW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2025SYM was awarded the UD Doorway Project grant on June 17, 2025, to manage the UDYC building and coordinate with neighborhood partners. The Doorway Project facilitates advisory groups including SYM clients to ensure programming is relevant and needed. SYM leads this effort with The Doorway Project stewarding services and agency relationships.
• Teen FeedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership began October 2024 for Breakfast Program collaboration. Teen Feed sources food including burritos for SYM's Breakfast Program (376 pounds in October). They also provide in-reach services including mock interviews, resume preparation, and cooking classes at UDYC.
• RythercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides mental health and recovery support three days per week by appointment and by drop-in as needed at UDYC. Also offers Coping with Karaoke sessions led on Tuesday mornings.
• ROOTScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides overnight shelter (the only shelter for youth in the University District), case management and housing navigation at UDYC. Partners with SYM for wraparound care.
• University Presbyterian Church (UPC)coreOthersProvides space for SYM's Drop-In Center in basement at 4540 15th Ave NE. Has hosted Drop-in through the generosity of UPC congregation and leadership for over 30 years. UPC's Deacon Fund Committee granted $10,000 to SYM.
• University Congregational United Church of Christ (UCUCC)coreOthersOwns the UDYC building at 4516 15th Ave NE. SYM rents the UDYC building from UCUCC as they work with partner organizations to provide wraparound care. UCUCC has been instrumental partner for organizations operating in the space.
• Seattle Vineyard ChurchminorOthersProvides monthly recurring financial support to SYM.
• Union ChurchminorOthersEvery month providing one meal and financial support to SYM.
• Newport Presbyterian ChurchminorOthersChurch partner providing financial and prayer support.
• SeaChurchminorOthersChurch partner providing support including clothing donations.
• Zion Lutheran ChurchminorOthersChurch partner providing support.
• Wallingford Presbyterian ChurchminorOthersProvides weekly meals to SYM Drop-In through connection made by board member Julie Young.
• OneHealthminorOthersProvides pet care services and advisory role for SYM clients with pets at Drop-In.
• Aveda Salon (Capitol Hill)minorOthersDonates free monthly haircuts to SYM clients. Atmosphere at Aveda is noted as welcoming for youth.
• Harborview Medical Center Youth ClinicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOffering services on-site at UDYC.
• Seattle Public Schools Inter-agency SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts GED tutoring and testing at UDYC.
• Convoy of Hope & Northwest UniversityminorOthersDonated items supporting SYM programs.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ROOTS: Seattle-based organization operating the only overnight youth shelter in the University District plus case management and housing navigation at UDYC, and an active SYM coalition partner. Directly comparable because it serves the same unhoused youth population with complementary overnight shelter and housing services.
• Larkin Street Youth Services: San Francisco-based nonprofit serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness with a comprehensive drop-in, housing, education, and employment continuum. Comparable because it operates the same integrated model (drop-in center, outreach, case management, enrichment activities) for unhoused youth in an urban setting.
• YouthCare: Seattle-based nonprofit serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness with shelter, housing, and education services. Directly comparable because it served the same University District geography (until its 2024 departure) and addresses the same 13-27 unhoused youth demographic.
• Teen Feed: Seattle nonprofit providing meals and supportive services to homeless youth, sourcing food for SYM's Breakfast Program since October 2024. Directly comparable because it serves the same client population with overlapping food-service and basic-needs programming.
• Safe Place for Youth: Santa Monica-based nonprofit providing drop-in services, case management, housing navigation, and enrichment for youth ages 12-25 experiencing homelessness. Comparable because it offers the same integrated drop-in, outreach, and case management programming SYM delivers.
• Avenues for Homeless Youth: Minneapolis-based nonprofit providing shelter, drop-in services, and housing programs specifically for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Comparable because it operates a similar drop-in and case-management model for an underserved youth demographic with faith-adjacent partnership roots.

Regional players

• Cocoon House: Everett, Washington-based nonprofit providing shelter, housing, and support services to young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking. Comparable in mission and service model, serving a regional Pacific Northwest geography adjacent to Seattle.

Broad incumbents

• Covenant House: National nonprofit operating shelter, housing, and wraparound services for youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking across more than 30 U.S. cities. Comparable in mission and core programs (shelter, drop-in, case management) at substantially larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SYMseattle
• Instagraminstagram.com/sym_seattle
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/street-youth-ministries

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Street Youth Ministries