Currently, more than a hundred teenagers on Whidbey Island don’t have homes.

Some of these teens left home to escape physical, sexual or substance abuse. Others were kicked out of their homes because of a parent’s disapproval over their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some left because their families can’t afford to care for them.

Some teenagers made mistakes and were expelled from their family home in a parent’s attempt to demonstrate “tough love.”

Whatever the reasons, many of these “unaccompanied homeless youths” find themselves couch surfing from house to house, relying on friends and acquaintances for shelter.

Teenagers who are homeless are more likely to be abused, commit crimes, skip school and use drugs and alcohol.

Fortunately, help may be on the horizon, at least on Whidbey.

Ryan’s House for Youth, a small Freeland-based nonprofit organization that serves homeless youths ages 13-24, is hoping to purchase the former Countryside Inn south of Coupeville with plans to convert the former motel into a center complete with expanded drop-in services as well as a number of temporary living quarters.

It’s an exciting and innovative idea.

The property fell into foreclosure last year. Its location outside of town and under the OLF Coupeville flight path probably isn’t the best for attracting guests, but the rooms could provide safe, warm places for teenagers to live — supervised by a live-in staff person — as well as case management services.

There are no neighbors to annoy. Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation’s animal shelter is nearby, perhaps offering teenagers volunteer or job opportunities. Island Transit is located across the highway.

There are four double rooms and 10 single rooms in addition to three apartments. Each of the motel rooms includes a small table or desk, a bed or two, bathroom and refrigerator. The 7.5 acres of land offer potential for crops and, possibly, a seasonal corn maze, both of which could potentially generate a bit of income for the organization.

Ryan’s House has support for the project, but it needs more.

The motel’s seller, SaviBank, has offered a $75,000 contribution and turned down offers for the property from others to facilitate the sale to Ryan’s House. Brokers Rick Chapman and Marchele Hatchner are providing their services pro bono.

The Feb. 29 deadline is quickly approaching for the group to raise $520,000 to purchase the property.

Citizens and businesses should consider donating to the worthy cause, as should government bodies. Let these teenagers know that they matter.

Visit www.ryanshouseforyouth.org/capital-campaign.html to donate to the cause.