Cocoon House (2726 Cedar St, Everett, WA) is Snohomish County’s only nonprofit dedicated exclusively to ending youth homelessness. Operating since 1991, it serves young people ages 12–24 through emergency shelter, drop-in services, housing programs, and education and employment support. The main U-Turn Drop-In Center is free and open to any youth who needs a meal, a shower, or a safe place to land.
What Cocoon House Actually Does
When a teenager loses stable housing in Snohomish County, there aren’t many places to turn. Cocoon House has been one of the consistent answers to that problem for more than three decades — and in a region where housing costs keep rising and the youngest residents are often the most invisible, that consistency matters more than most people realize.
The organization runs several interconnected programs, each designed to meet a young person exactly where they are: on the street, in school, or searching for something more stable.
Emergency Shelter (Ages 12–17)
The emergency shelter is the most visible program. It serves youth ages 12–17 who need immediate, safe housing. It’s staffed, structured, and designed to feel as close to a real home as possible. Young people here have access to case management, basic needs, and a plan for what comes next.
U-Turn Drop-In Center (Ages 13–24)
The U-Turn Drop-In Center is built for older youth who may not be ready for a shelter or don’t meet the age criteria. It’s deliberately low-barrier: no eligibility requirements beyond showing up. What you get when you walk in: a hot meal, hygiene items, showers, laundry, clothing, transportation assistance, and access to case managers who can connect you to housing, healthcare, and other referrals.
Outreach Center (Ages 12–20)
The Outreach Center extends the same core supports — meals, showers, clothing, drug and alcohol support, referrals, and case management — to youth ages 12–20. Outreach staff also work outside the walls, meeting young people in the places where they actually are.
Young Adult Housing
For youth who have aged out of the emergency shelter or who need more than drop-in services, Cocoon House provides transitional and permanent housing pathways. Director of Young Adult Housing Eric Jimenez and his team lead this work.
Education and Employment
Director of Education and Employment Claire Petersen leads programs that help young people build the credentials and skills they need to stay housed long-term. A place to sleep isn’t enough on its own — sustainable housing requires income, and income requires opportunity.
The Numbers Behind the Work
Cocoon House has expanded shelter capacity by 350% since its early years, now housing more than 230 young people annually through its shelter programs. Through outreach, prevention, education, and the U-Turn Drop-In Center, the organization reaches over 1,000 youth, parents, and community members each year across Snohomish County.
CEO Joseph Alonzo leads the organization, which earned the Best Nonprofit in Snohomish County honor in 2025 — recognition that reflects 35 years of community trust.
For broader context: Snohomish County’s January 2024 Point-in-Time count recorded 1,140 individuals in 890 households experiencing homelessness. Youth are among the most likely to avoid official counts — which means Cocoon House is often reaching people the data doesn’t see.
The Annual Butterfly Celebration
Each year, Cocoon House holds its signature fundraising event, the Annual Butterfly Celebration. In 2026, the event is scheduled for May 7. The name reflects the organization’s mission: transformation. The event brings together donors, volunteers, and community members who want to support the work. Information and tickets at cocoonhouse.org.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer: Cocoon House actively recruits volunteers, particularly for meal prep sessions. The organization is currently looking for groups to support meal prep in Summer and Fall 2026. Details at cocoonhouse.org/volunteer.
Donate: Cocoon House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 91-1497667). Monetary and in-kind donations support all programs at cocoonhouse.org.
Attend a quarterly forum: Cocoon House holds quarterly community forums where leadership shares challenges, progress, and ways the broader community can help. The most recent forum was in February 2026.
Spread the word: Much of Cocoon House’s impact comes from community members who know the organization exists. Knowing who to call when a young person is in trouble is itself a form of community safety.
Why This Matters for Everett
Youth homelessness is often invisible precisely because young people go out of their way to hide it. Cocoon House sits at the intersection of Everett’s housing challenges and its community strengths.
The Snohomish County $23 million housing and behavioral health award approved in April 2026 included three Everett-based projects — a sign that the broader system is moving toward the kind of long-term investment organizations like Cocoon House have been calling for. Volunteers of America Western Washington operates in an adjacent lane — serving adults and families through the Everett Food Bank, Casino Road pantry sites, and the Carl Gipson Center — and together the two organizations represent the depth of Everett’s nonprofit safety net.
On Casino Road, Stations Unidos has been working since 2014 on anti-displacement and economic stability for the corridor. Stable, affordable housing in neighborhoods like Twin Creeks directly affects the pipeline of young people who end up needing Cocoon House’s help. These organizations are part of the same ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get help from Cocoon House?
Youth ages 12–24 can walk into the U-Turn Drop-In Center for immediate assistance — no eligibility requirements. For emergency shelter or housing programs, visit cocoonhouse.org or call their main line.
Where is Cocoon House located?
2726 Cedar St, Everett, WA 98201. The address was confirmed as current on Yelp in April 2026.
Is Cocoon House open to youth from outside Everett?
Yes — Cocoon House serves all of Snohomish County, not just Everett.
How do I volunteer?
Visit cocoonhouse.org/volunteer for current opportunities, including meal prep groups for Summer and Fall 2026.
What is the Butterfly Celebration?
Cocoon House’s annual fundraising gala. In 2026 it takes place on May 7. Visit cocoonhouse.org for tickets and information.
Does Cocoon House help families, not just youth?
The outreach and community programs reach parents and community members as well. The core shelter and housing programs focus on young people ages 12–24.
