Stories about youth homelessness are often reduced to statistics or framed through deficit, obscuring the people and systems behind them. In our partnership with Cocoon House, an organization serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and housing instability in Snohomish County, we aim to break down misconceptions and harmful stereotypes about the issue, while uplifting the impact of the organization and the young people it serves. Our work creates space for more honest reflection and a deeper understanding of both the challenges and possibilities for change.

We begin each project by spending time with Cocoon House staff to understand the present landscape, build trust, and identify participants who are open to sharing their stories. We then host a pre-interview conversation to learn more about each young person’s experience and begin building a relationship. From there, we let young people and their interests shape the story, whether that means going fishing or golfing, playing pool with friends, eating Chinese food, or simply spending time alone at a park. Our goal is to move beyond the surface and visually convey the individuality and complexity of each young person we meet.