November 16th – Saturday, November 22nd, was Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Since 1997, The Coffee Oasis has sought to address the issues of hunger and homelessness head on by providing a continuum of services for young people aged 13-25.

These services include the only two low-barrier youth shelters in Kitsap and Pierce counties, drop-in centers, crisis navigation, case management, job training classes and internships, outreach, and resources such as laundry services, showers, meals, hygiene products, and clothing.

We had the privilege of speaking with Brian Craw, The Coffee Oasis Crisis Services Manager. Brian works on the front lines every day, helping young people navigate difficult circumstances and connecting them with the resources and support they need. In our conversation, he shared about the challenges youth face, as well as the hope and resilience that inspires our work.

To provide some context, based on data collected in 2023 by Kitsap Public Health from 10th-grade students in Kitsap County, here are some local statistics on youth mental health and well-being:

• 14% reported they did not have an adult to turn to when they felt sad or hopeless
• 19% reported considering suicide in the past 12 months
• 36.1% reported feeling depressed in the last 12 months
• 19.7% reported being bullied

One major aspect of The Coffee Oasis is to care for youth who are in crisis, whether that may be loss of housing, mental health challenges, loneliness, or the struggle with addiction.

Here are some insights from our conversation with Brian. You can also listen to the episode on Spotify here.

Anecdotally, what are some examples you’ve seen of youth in crisis?

Crisis looks different for every youth. Sometimes, it’s just losing a pair of headphones and other times it could be parents becoming homeless, drug addiction, feelings of isolation, or housing. I find that a lot of the time, when people are in crisis, they want a soundboard to share what they’re experiencing. For example, one youth wanted to break up with a girlfriend who was toxic. He wanted to quit using, but his girlfriend didn’t want to stop going to raves. He was worried about being alone, but knew he needed that in order to be sober. For this youth in crisis, caring for him looked like talking about what it looked like for him to communicate his needs in a realistic manner without creating more of a crisis.

What are some behaviors you’ve noticed in regard to youth mental health?

When it comes to youth mental health, a lot of the root of it comes down to social media and isolation. What was initially created as a tool to connect people, has become a tool that can be used towards cyberbullying, comparison, and other problematic behaviors. In trying to find community and acceptance, youth often spend more time online than actually building real relationships in life with people who can give them a hug or be there in person. When they value themselves based on how many likes they get, they find out how fickle mankind can be. Friends in real life tend to stick with you longer. Something created for connection is actually isolating people. I don’t know if this is a carryover from covid, but I think lack of identity, lack of purpose, lack of belonging, and comparison are prevalent.

How can parents support their kids’ friends who may not have a supportive adult in their life?

I think helping them find community is key. There are places like Coffee Oasis, Boys & Girls Club, after school programs, sports, acting, or art programs. It’s hard to speak into the life of someone, unless you know them. Let them know they’re loved and cared about, and actually listen. As adults, a lot of the time we have the answer, but if we’re just talking at them and not having a conversation with them, it goes in one ear and out the other. We have an opportunity to help them find the answer and grow, instead of giving the answer. I’m always using motivational interviewing techniques to find out what their goals are, what their motivations are, and where they want to see change. Open-ended questions are so helpful.

Thank you for your support!

We want to encourage you to be a safe, caring adult for young people in your sphere of influence. Whether this may be for your kids’ friends or by volunteering at a Coffee Oasis drop-in center.

If you know a youth who may need resources or help, please refer them to one of our drop-in centers to connect with staff.

tory Written by: Caryn Wright // Date Written: November 11, 2025
Story Written by: Caryn Wright // Date Written: November 11, 2025

Special thanks to Cody Clark for hosting and to Brian Craw for the interview