Ending youth homelessness is about relationships: The importance of drop-in centers and staff to youth experiencing homelessness

•The majority youth accessing drop-in centers reported at least one positive relationship with a staff member.•Frequency and duration of drop-in center use were significantly associated with forming positive staff relationships.•Youth with a positive staff relationship reported significantly higher rates of using employment services.•Unsheltered youth were significantly less likely to know their housing options or how to access emergency shelter.