We Went Viral | Taking Over TikTok!
Just a few months ago, oneROOF Youth Services officially joined TikTok, a social media platform that allows users to create and share short, engaging videos. Since then, we have grown our following, connected with a wider audience, shared impactful stories of second chances, courage, and resilience, and even gone viral!
Short-form content (TikTok, Meta Reels, and YouTube Shorts) allows us to quickly reach a new demographic and educate a wider audience — raising awareness about youth homelessness and showcasing our programs and impact in new, creative, and easily shareable ways.
On our TikTok account, you’ll find a variety of content highlighting our work and the people behind it, including our #YouthVoices series, a collection of clips featuring youth who have accessed oneROOF Youth Services, telling their stories in their own words. Scroll further for behind-the-scenes looks at daily life on our campus, staff and program spotlights, and updates on our events and campaigns.
Whether it’s sharing personal stories, celebrating achievements, or giving followers a look inside our shelter, oneROOF’s TikTok presence is all about education, advocacy, and connection in a fun, accessible format.
Here’s a look at a few of the videos you’ll find on our TikTok…
Youth Stories
Our #YouthVoices series gives young people a platform to share their personal experiences and perspective. Each video highlights the resilience, courage, and creativity of youth who have accessed oneROOF’s shelter and support services.
Through these stories, viewers gain insight into the challenges youth face and the impact of our programs on their lives. By amplifying these voices, we aim to foster understanding, awareness, and connection within the community, showing that every voice matters.
“Since getting sober, my whole outlook on life has changed. oneROOF knew everything about me and no one judged me. They treated me like a person; they treated me like I mattered when most people looked at me like I was just another dead kid in the streets.” — Female, Age 23
Want to read more youth stories? Check out our impact page.
Staff & Program Spotlights
Our TikTok account features staff sharing insights about oneROOF’s programs, campus, and daily operations. These videos give a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening across our campus and highlights the dedication of our team. Staff explain how programs support youth, share tips and updates, and showcase the impact of their work.
In this video, our Social Media & Marketing Specialist, Madison, gives a behind the scenes look at oneROOF’s campus, The Quad.
At the Quad, oneROOF Youth Services operates four purpose-built buildings, each designed to meet the unique needs of youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. For example, our Next Steps Housing building provides transitional and supportive housing for youth aged 16–25, offering 44 studio-style units in a safe, structured environment where residents can develop life skills and independence.
By putting staff front and centre, we’re making our content informative, personal, and engaging for both the community and our internal audience. Learn more about our staff team here.
Office Tours
A recent TikTok office tour video has gone viral, giving viewers an inside look at one of oneROOF Youth Services' vibrant and welcoming workspaces. This engaging content not only showcased our physical environment but also highlighted the dedication and passion of our team members. By sharing these behind-the-scenes glimpses, we aim to humanize our organization and foster a deeper connection with our community.
Courtney’s office tour was one of many tours filmed, giving TikTok viewers a look at oneROOF Youth Services in action. She walks us through her cozy and welcoming workspace, highlighting how her space supports youth each and every day. As a Supportive Housing Coordinator, her office is located in our Next Steps Housing building. It’s clear in this video that both youth and staff are welcome in Courtney’s space anytime!
By sharing simple tours like these, we aim to make our work more visible, help the community understand our programs, and celebrate the people who make oneROOF a supportive place for youth.
Comedy Content
Our TikTok isn’t just about programs and campus tours — it’s also a place for laughter and levity! We share fun, lighthearted comedy content that shows the playful side of oneROOF and our staff.
These videos help make our work approachable, boost engagement, and remind viewers that even in serious work, there’s always room for joy!
Whether it’s jumping on a quick trend, funny behind-the-scenes moments, or staff and volunteer antics, our lighthearted content brings smiles while still highlighting the heart of what we do.
In this video, oneROOF utilized a humorous trend to show off aspects of our work and exciting areas of our campus that often go unseen. Viewers loved this videos so much, we made a part two! Check it out.
Job Opportunities
From time to time, oneROOF uses TikTok to showcase career and volunteer opportunities in a fun and engaging way. In this video, we utilized another popular trend for a witty job opportunity reveal.
By sharing informative, lighthearted videos, we make it easier for potential candidates to see themselves as part of our team. The platform allows us to reach a wider, younger audience and connect with people who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth.
If you’re interested in joining our team, learn more here.
If you’d like to volunteer with us click here.
Events & Fundraisers
On our TikTok account, we regularly share videos about upcoming events, fundraisers, and the amazing work being done by our community partners. These short, engaging clips help us raise awareness, inspire participation, and celebrate the organizations and individuals supporting youth in our community.
By highlighting things like charity drives, volunteer opportunities, or seasonal campaigns, we make it easy for our audience to get involved and take action. These posts showcase the impact of donations and the difference that community support can make in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness.
Another great way TikTok fuels our mission is by showcasing our community partners and giving them recognition, while showing the collaborative efforts that make our work possible. These videos help build stronger connections between oneROOF, local organizations, and the broader public. Using TikTok’s creative format, we can present this information (that may be overlooked on other platforms) in a way that’s fun, accessible, and shareable.
Donor Spotlights
Along with event and fundraiser focused videos, our TikTok features “Donor Spotlights,” where we showcase a business, organization or individual who has long supported oneROOF. These short clips highlight their contributions, show the impact of their support on our youth, and gives their business a new way to connect with a demographic they may not have otherwise reached.
As our following grows, there’s potential for “Donor Spotlights” not only as a form of recognition, but as incentive — encouraging donations in exchange for this unique form of promotion.