In 1990, after 10 years of successfully operating a youth emergency shelter, YS launched the Transitional Living Program (TLP). The Program serves homeless youth and pregnant/parenting adolescents ages 17-21 for up to 18 months in a supervised apartment setting. TLP assists youth with life skills training, counseling, educational support and workforce development. In this setting youth are able to gain the skills to live independently and become active members of their community.
One of the program’s primary objectives is to help young people to identify their strengths as well as those areas they want to develop. As in all YS programs, TLP uses a strengths-based approach, assisting residents in finding solutions and accomplishing goals that will take them to a new level of independence. Success in the program is measured by how well each individual succeeds in meeting the goals they set.
TLP can house up to 14 young people at any given time, some of them with infants or young children. TLP residents have busy schedules with school and work. They are asked to pay a sliding scale amount of rent, 50% of which is returned to them when they leave the program.
Scattered Site Program
Scattered Site Housing (Supportive Housing Program) at Youth Shelters is our newest residential program. The program serves homeless youth ages 18-24 in an apartment complex separate from the main TLP campus. This program assists youth to build life skills and increase their earned income as a means to living independently. As with TLP, the objective is to help youth build on their strengths, identify areas that need development, and empower through a strengths-based approach. Success is measured by meeting goals set by the individual.
The program focuses on teaching youth to live independently supported with life skills that will foster independence. The goals are for youth to maintain a safe and positive living environment, increase their level of education, develop the skills to maintain a stable source of income, and a sense of confidence in order to overcome obstacles that may jeopardize success.
The Scattered Site Housing can house up to 6 young people at any given time. The participants pay rent which is 30% of their income as well as utilities. Deposits for both the apartment and utilities are refundable, and arrangements can be made in manageable installments, determined with a Service Coordinator.
Eligibility
To be admitted into Youth Shelters’ Scattered Site Apartment Program youth must meet the following criteria:
- Between the ages of 18 and 23;
- Homeless, or at risk of losing safe and stable housing, both of which will need documentation;
- Motivated, determined, and committed to increasing their educational and employment skills;
- Able to follow program rules (i.e. curfew and no overnight guests) and participate in a program (community service, participate in groups and therapy, meet with Service Coordinator regularly);
- Valid I.D.
***Youth with a history of predatory sex offenses and repeat violent crimes are not eligible.***