This empty and abandoned old YMCA building has sat deserted for decades. Broken glass, boarded up windows, and a cracking structure remain of a once vital local building. This building (and picture) represents 3 significant local issues: a large unhoused population; lack of safe and affordable housing; and an abundance of empty buildings. Affordable housing is important to the success of youth because it provides consistent shelter of a safe place for them to grow, study, and live. It also reduces the stress, anxiety, and trauma of moving from house to house or sleeping in a car. Youth who live in stable, safe, affordable housing are more likely to attend school regularly, perform better in school, graduate, and participate in extracurricular activities. Our community has (and continues) to look for opportunities for affordable housing. Our youth are our future leaders and investing in their safety and shelter is essential to their future. Let's invest in the future success of our city and especially our youth.​