Ryan’s House will be able to expand its outreach program after scoring $50,000 in state grant money last month.

The grant money will go towards Ryan’s House’s new drop-in center in Coupeville, which Executive Director Lori Cavender says will enable the organization to reach out to an addition 50 homeless youth.

“With the infusion of state dollars, many of those young people will get connected to a safe place to sleep alongside crisis intervention services to help them reconnect with family or find an appropriate housing placement that is safe and stable.”

The grant comes as part of the $2.5 million doled out by The Office of Homeless Youth to agencies that provide critical services for at-risk and homeless youth.

Ryan’s House received the money this month.

Ryan’s House officials say the support is critically needed on Whidbey. A press release says in the 2014-15 school year, approximately 200 youth aged 12-24 were living on their own and trying to access housing and homeless services.

Ryan’s House’s new Coupeville location is up and running, although the organization is awaiting a change in the building’s occupancy permit in order to accommodate youths looking for an indoor bed.