• Mission

    The mission of Cocoon House is to partner with young people, families, and the community to break the cycle of homelessness through outreach, housing, prevention, education, and employment. This mission supports the belief that every young person deserves a home and the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.

  • Vision

    Every young person in our community is safe and thriving.

  • Core Values

    Cocoon House is committed to helping youth build meaningful relationships and grow into unique, independent young adults. We create a peaceful nurturing environment for youth, and all services are rooted in positive youth development, building on each young person’s strengths. Cocoon House honors our commitments and is accountable to our investors, the community, and youth and families. We courageously move through change in order to continuously improve and achieve excellence in our work. Our core values:

    Community—Equity—Respect—Growth—Advocacy—Leadership—Safety

About Us

Founded as an emergency shelter for youth in 1991, Cocoon House has grown to include a continuum of programs designed to prevent and end youth homelessness. Cocoon House offers short- and long-term housing, street outreach, and prevention services aimed at strengthening families. Together, these programs represent a network of services that improve outcomes for youth and families in Snohomish County.

Cocoon House is strongly committed to removing barriers and supporting inclusion and diversity in all its forms.  We strive to create a safe and open atmosphere for young people, families, staff, board members, community partners and funders.  We learn from the diverse individuals we work with and embrace their unique attributes to ensure we fulfill our agency mission and core values.

Our Approach

Our comprehensive approach ensures that each young person is met where they are, physically and emotionally. Cocoon House staff can connect with young people and their families throughout Snohomish County, whether it be in their homes, in our programs, schools, or anywhere else in the community. All youth and families are provided the tools and support they need to address conflict and barriers while providing a pathway towards independence and building stronger families. This tailored approach gives young people and their families the greatest chance to break the cycle of homelessness.

Why are youth homeless?

Every young person who comes to Cocoon House has their own unique set of experiences that led to housing instability. Often, young people who have experienced homelessness have also experienced generational poverty, family conflict, substance use disorders and/or significant mental health challenges within their family. Many youth are victims of various forms of abuse or neglect. A disproportionate percentage of the young people we serve identify as LGBTQIA+ and are no longer safe or welcomed at home. Other young people have fallen through the cracks of failed systems that were put in place to protect them. Although each circumstance is different, the lack of affordable housing options plays a major role in making young people and families vulnerable to homelessness.

Tor was struggling to find stable, long-term housing while trying to re-engage in high school. Through Connections Host Homes, they enrolled in the Everett CC U-3 program where Tor can earn their diploma while earning college credits. It also qualifi

Tor was struggling to find stable, long-term housing while trying to re-engage in high school. Through Connections Host Homes, they enrolled in the Everett CC U-3 program where Tor can earn their diploma while earning college credits. It also qualifies them for free student housing!

After reconnecting with extended family through the Connections Host Homes program, Nic found long-term housing. With his newly found stability, he re-enrolled in school and is making strides.

After reconnecting with extended family through the Connections Host Homes program, Nic found long-term housing. With his newly found stability, he re-enrolled in school and is making strides.

Through the Connections Host Homes program, Ellie was able to ignite her passion for science. Our staff linked Ellie up with local scientists with whom she had a series of Zoom chats. These conversations helped her realize science could be her future

Through the Connections Host Homes program, Ellie was able to ignite her passion for science. Our staff linked Ellie up with local scientists with whom she had a series of Zoom chats. These conversations helped her realize science could be her future.