‘We need your help’: Bend nonprofit HÚE seeks public’s assistance to support at-risk youth program

(Update: Adding video, adding comments from board members)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The executive director of the Bend nonprofit HÚE says they could soon be forced to shut their doors, after a delay in thousands of dollars in needed funding.

Nicola Carpinelli said Thursday the organization was supposed to receive grant money to continue expanding its services at the end of last year but hasn't seen that money in nearly a year.

"We need your help in keeping this beautiful space alive for these kids," Carpinelli told KTVZ News.

Board member Bruce Abernethy says the group is now behind on rent and might have to move out if they cannot secure enough funding. He added that the building's landlord has allowed the organization to remain, for now.

"Unfortunately, due to a variety of delays that are really sort of beyond the control of the investor, the funds have not come through yet," Abernethy said.

The organization recently expanded after being promised funding, adding a gallery room and a cafe. But without that money, HÚE is now struggling to maintain.

Board member and psychologist Maya Heck said, "It's difficult for, you know, even teenagers to really express how they're feeling sometimes. And so art really serves as a medium where kids can really take out whatever strong emotions they're feeling and put it on the page."

Located on Franklin Avenue in Bend, HÚE, or Hearts Unknown Education, helps at-risk youth with their mental health issues.

Since our first story about the group last October, HÚE has seen a major increase in participants and is now serving 350 young people. And with the state ranking last in the nation for youth mental health services, their offerings are needed now more than ever.

Using activities such as painting, graffiti and dancing. HÚE partners with Deschutes County Health Services in an effort to prevent youth homelessness and promote a sense of community.

"HÚE is that space where kids are able to express that. And we want to continue to give them that opportunity," Carpinelli said.

Without their services, they say, many could fall through the cracks.

"The clinics here, we'll probably see longer waitlists for kids trying to seek some kind of mental health treatment. You know, the emergency department might be more full of kids who are in acute crisis, in terms of mental health crisis. "

You can find information about donations at their website. The group says any amount will help.