On the Level Student Success – Homeless Youth Assistance

Did you know that in Washington there are more than 42,000 students who experience homelessness during the year.  Of those estimates suggest more than 13,000 have no stable adult support.  Did you also know that more than 50% of youth experiencing homelessness drop out of school; high school dropouts make up a majority of people in jail? High school dropouts make on average $8,000 less a year than high school graduates, and an average of $26,000 less than a college graduate. Other risk factors include psychological problems and increased use of social and government programs.

“There is really no way to describe being financially broke to someone who has never been there. I’m talking about not having enough change to walk to McDonald’s to get one item off the dollar menu, broke.”

The excerpt above is from a young man named John who, for a variety of difficult reasons, had no family to support him.  He had the fortitude to persevere. Today he’s attending Western Washington University, thanks to the generosity of Masons.

Washington Masonic Charities builds bridges to help these young people stay in school and graduate or receive a GED by creating partnerships between local Masonic groups, community groups and local school districts to provide vital resources.

Members of Masonic Lodges, and accordant bodies, can get involved by contacting Byron Cregeur at (253) 267-8761 toll free or by emailing byron@wa-masoniccharities.org . If you would like to contribute – follow this link or send a check to WA Masonic Charities Attn: On the Level, PO Box 65830 University Place, WA 989464