TACOMA, WA — Two young adults connected to Harbor Hope Center, both in their early twenties, came to the organization with resilience, determination, and a desire for something better. Through a collaborative effort between Harbor Hope Center and Bates Technical College, both are now working toward careers in the welding trades and a future built on their own terms.
The partnership connected Harbor Hope residents to Bates’ accredited welding program, providing tuition support, wraparound case management, and transportation assistance, removing the barriers that have historically prevented young people experiencing homelessness from accessing technical education. The road hasn’t been without its challenges, but both participants are pressing forward with the goal of completing their program and earning industry certifications.
“What we’ve seen through this partnership is exactly what’s possible when housing stability and workforce training work hand in hand,” said Brandon Vulysteke, Operations Manager at Harbor Hope Center. “These two young adults didn’t just show up to learn a trade, they showed up to rebuild their lives. We are proud to stand beside partners like Bates who understand that the path out of homelessness runs through opportunity.”
Harbor Hope Center, based in Gig Harbor, serves youth and young adults experiencing homelessness throughout the South Sound region. The organization provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and life-skills programming designed to move residents toward self-sufficiency. The community is invited to support that mission at an upcoming dinner on May 1st at the Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront.
Bates Technical College, one of Washington State’s leading community and technical colleges, offers a strong welding program that prepares students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure. For the Foundation, this collaboration represented a natural extension of its mission to expand access for underserved populations. The timing is also significant: Harbor Hope Center is actively expanding its presence into Tacoma, making the Bates partnership a cornerstone of its efforts to serve more young people in the region.
“At Bates Tech, we believe education is a powerful pathway to opportunity, and we are committed to helping every student who comes through our doors feel supported in reaching their goals,”said Chelsea Lindquist, Director of Communications, Marketing and Advancement for Bates Technical College. “Partnering with Harbor Hope Center allowed us to meet students where they are, reduce barriers, and help them build a future they may not have thought possible.. When barriers are removed, potential can thrive, and that’s exactly what we are seeing.”
With case managers actively connecting participants to local employers, leaders from both organizations hope to grow the collaboration in the coming academic year, opening pathways into more technical programs for Harbor Hope residents.