Homies Organizing the Mission to Empower Youth (HOMEY)

Overview

Homies Organizing the Mission to Empower Youth (HOMEY) is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco, California. Founded between 1997 and 1999, it was established by a group of youth, including former gang members and organizers, with the aim of addressing youth violence and mass incarceration in the city's Mission District.

Mission

The mission of HOMEY is to transform the lives of high-risk youth by encouraging paths of education, self-sufficiency, and non-violence. It aims to support physical, mental, and emotional health through youth development practices such as skill building, relationship building, youth participation in decision-making, and community involvement.

Programs and Activities

HOMEY's programs are designed to empower individuals across various settings, including schools, jails, and community centers. The organization provides essential services like emergency rental assistance, mental health support, and COVID-19 testing. Additionally, it runs food justice programs and conducts youth outdoor trips to foster a sense of community and belonging.

A key component of HOMEY's work is its social enterprise, Native Graphix, a custom T-shirt and apparel silkscreen business established in 2004. Native Graphix serves as a model for community self-sufficiency, employing and training hundreds of youth while promoting social activism through art.

History and Impact

Over its history, HOMEY has been instrumental in reducing violence and advocating for youth issues. It has been part of significant initiatives to decriminalize youth and has supported over 586 youth through high school. Since 2011, HOMEY has conducted extensive community service hours and expanded its reach by engaging youth in educational and cultural activities.

HOMEY's work extends beyond San Francisco, as it has built a statewide and national network to address broader social justice issues. In recent years, the organization has served over 3,500 people annually, making it a pivotal force in empowering marginalized communities.

Issues Addressed

HOMEY focuses on several key areas, including:

• Arts & Music: Using cultural expression to raise awareness and promote social change.
• Children & Youth: Providing support and opportunities for youth development.
• Civic Engagement: Encouraging community involvement and policy change.
• Community Development: Fostering self-sufficiency and transformation within the community.
• Education: Enhancing educational achievement and cultural education to reduce high dropout rates and violence.