Creation District supports Sacramento homeless youth through art

Waking the Village, a nonprofit organization in Sacramento, supports homeless and housing-insecure individuals through various programs, with a unique focus on art at its Creation District as a means of expression and healing. “We work to create a space for young adults to come that is really respite all rooted in creativity in the arts,” said Grace Loescher, Creation District director. “Everything we do here is through the lens of music, art, theater.”The space offers basic needs like phone chargers and snacks, along with open studio time for creative activities such as drumming, painting, and recording sessions. The programs are free and centered on serving young people ages 16 to 25. “It’s a time when many social supports cut off for like kids and children,” Loescher said. “When you turn 16, 17, 18, a lot of the supports that were available for you during childhood are immediately gone and you’re left really struggling.”Tii, a program participant, began coming to the center several months ago, during a turbulent time in her life. Tii said the resources available proved to be just as impactful in navigating those challenges as the creative outlet the Creation District offered.”You can be free to make a mistake and then make that mistake something pretty, make that mistake something that you’re proud of,” Tii said. “It’s like a sanctuary.”In addition to the Creation District, Waking the Village has a multitude of programs for people experiencing housing insecurity. Programs range from transitional housing to peer support to initiatives tailored specifically to young parents who are also facing housing challenges. “Waking the Village truly is a village of services that all wraparound young adults,” Loescher said. Anubis-Emerald is another regular visitor to the Creation District, finding solace in the art and peaceful environment. “(It’s) a great way to release our emotions and express our emotions, which are difficult. It’s a difficult thing for us verbally,” Anubis-Emerald said. “You’re free to be yourself here. It’s like the best part about being here is you don’t get judged for any quirks you have.”While the programs are free, Loescher noted there have been challenges in keeping them funded. “I think it’s absolutely essential, and it’s one of a kind. There are not other free recording studios that an adult experiencing homelessness can go to,” Loescher said. “There are not other spaces where you can walk in the room, and somebody doesn’t start by saying ‘What’s your housing status? What’s your income? Are you a former foster child?’ We start by saying, ‘What kind of music do you like? What kind of creator are you? Welcome.’”Tii expressed deep gratitude for the Creation District and for Waking the Village. “I do not exaggerate when I say this: This space saved my life, pulled me right out of the dark,” Tii said. “It gave me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gave me hope that I can be loved and not even with strings attached. No conditions.”Waking the Village prides itself on maintaining a small caseload and creating opportunities for young people beyond their housing status.70 Years of Service | Organizations making a difference in Northern CaliforniaSee more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Waking the Village, a nonprofit organization in Sacramento, supports homeless and housing-insecure individuals through various programs, with a unique focus on art at its Creation District as a means of expression and healing.

“We work to create a space for young adults to come that is really respite all rooted in creativity in the arts,” said Grace Loescher, Creation District director. “Everything we do here is through the lens of music, art, theater.”

The space offers basic needs like phone chargers and snacks, along with open studio time for creative activities such as drumming, painting, and recording sessions. The programs are free and centered on serving young people ages 16 to 25.

“It’s a time when many social supports cut off for like kids and children,” Loescher said. “When you turn 16, 17, 18, a lot of the supports that were available for you during childhood are immediately gone and you’re left really struggling.”

Tii, a program participant, began coming to the center several months ago, during a turbulent time in her life. Tii said the resources available proved to be just as impactful in navigating those challenges as the creative outlet the Creation District offered.

“You can be free to make a mistake and then make that mistake something pretty, make that mistake something that you’re proud of,” Tii said. “It’s like a sanctuary.”

In addition to the Creation District, Waking the Village has a multitude of programs for people experiencing housing insecurity. Programs range from transitional housing to peer support to initiatives tailored specifically to young parents who are also facing housing challenges.

“Waking the Village truly is a village of services that all wraparound young adults,” Loescher said.

Anubis-Emerald is another regular visitor to the Creation District, finding solace in the art and peaceful environment.

“(It’s) a great way to release our emotions and express our emotions, which are difficult. It’s a difficult thing for us verbally,” Anubis-Emerald said. “You’re free to be yourself here. It’s like the best part about being here is you don’t get judged for any quirks you have.”

While the programs are free, Loescher noted there have been challenges in keeping them funded.

“I think it’s absolutely essential, and it’s one of a kind. There are not other free recording studios that an adult experiencing homelessness can go to,” Loescher said. “There are not other spaces where you can walk in the room, and somebody doesn’t start by saying ‘What’s your housing status? What’s your income? Are you a former foster child?’ We start by saying, ‘What kind of music do you like? What kind of creator are you? Welcome.’”

Tii expressed deep gratitude for the Creation District and for Waking the Village.

“I do not exaggerate when I say this: This space saved my life, pulled me right out of the dark,” Tii said. “It gave me a reason to wake up in the morning. It gave me hope that I can be loved and not even with strings attached. No conditions.”

Waking the Village prides itself on maintaining a small caseload and creating opportunities for young people beyond their housing status.

70 Years of Service | Organizations making a difference in Northern California

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel