Description

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Hailey and Cheyenne from Punx With Purpose to talk about:

• How they created a nonprofit serving unhoused and at-risk youth in Salem through low-barrier, youth-driven programs.
• Why prevention and youth mental health support are crucial for breaking cycles.
• How community connections make their work possible.
• And much more!

Timestamps:

00:34 - Introductions and recent award recognition

06:54 - What Punx with a Purpose does

10:55 - Youth homelessness and couch surfing reality

21:33 - Punx in the Park resource festival

24:56 - Punxgiving and Punxmas youth events

34:21 - Taking care of staff prevents burnout

41:58 - ACE scores and childhood trauma impacts

49:54 - Myths about youth experiencing homelessness