About Us

From college students to single parents to formerly homeless youth, we have helped every youth referred to us create a home.  

MIH receives referrals from individuals and organizations in Yolo County serving transition age youth (TAY). These youth, usually between the ages of 18-24 are moving into independent living situations from group or foster homes, or from being formerly homeless. We work with the Department of Health and Human Services child welfare transition age youth division in Yolo County, the UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program, Yolo County CASA, Shores of Hope, EA Family Services, Yolo County Probation, Yolo Dependency Services and Woodland Community College as well as therapists, attorneys and other individuals in Yolo County. Make It Happen provides a “wish list” of items we provide, which is completed by the youth and referring adult. When we receive the list back, we contact the youth and arrange a time to meet with them at our storage units to receive their items.  Depending on need, we provide dining, living and bedroom furniture, appliances, bed frames, mattresses and linens, towels, shower curtains, bathmats, and other items like lamps, desks, and office chairs. Repeatedly we hear these youth express their gratitude not only for the items they receive but also for the support of their community.

Make It Happen for Yolo County has been the grateful recipient of financial support from Robert and Joanne Andresen, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Save Mart Cares Foundation, the Valente Foundation, the Mikuni Foundation, Yolo County 100 Men Who Give a Damn, Yolo County 100+ Women Who Care and the Davis Chapter of the National Charity League in addition to financial and furniture donations from many community members.

Partner Organizations

• Yolo County Probation

• Yolo County Health and Human Services Transition Age Youth Unit

• Yolo County CASA

• Yolo Crisis Nursery

• Shores of Hope

• EA Family Services

• Woodland Community College EOPS, CARE and NextUp programs

HISTORY

Make It Happen for Yolo County began informally in 2012, when we recognized the need for furnishings and household supplies for transition age youth. In 2014, we became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and we helped 12 youth.  In 2023, we provided for 35 youth. Since our beginning, we have served over 200 transition age youth in Yolo County.

MIH Executive Director

Cathi Schmidt