Established in 1994 by the Sisters of Social Service adjacent to Loaves and Fishes, Wind initially served as a daytime refuge for homeless teenagers under the guidance of Sisters Maryanne Bonpane and Stephana O’Leary.

 

Over time, the center expanded its services in response to the growing awareness of the youths' needs, evolving into a comprehensive program aimed at equipping them with essential skills to break the cycle of homelessness.

 

Thanks to grants from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Runaway and Homeless Youth Program, and the United Way, the Wind Youth Services Shelter was inaugurated in Carmichael in 2001, later relocating to a larger facility in North Sacramento in 2004 to accommodate the increasing demand.

 

In 2007, the realization of a unified center combining the Day Center and Education programs materialized with the opening of the Wind Youth Center, made possible through the collective efforts of the Board of Directors, staff, local businesses, foundations, and individuals who raised over $700,000 for the Capital Campaign.

 

Now, Wind Youth Services operates as Sacramento's oldest, largest, and most robust drop-in center for transitional aged youth aged 18-24, and is Sacramento's only children's shelter for runaway homeless youth aged 12-17.