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