Center on Halsted announced, on April 21, that it is accepting applications for its Youth Housing Initiative.
The program is part of the Center's two-pronged Youth Housing Strategy, which it developed last year, according to a press release. The first goal was for the Center to operate a cluster site housing program for youth from the existing program, developing a model to be replicated across multiple neighborhoods in Chicago. The second goal was to have a new Youth Intentional Permanent Housing building in operation, housing LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness with wrap-around services, in a supportive community. The Center has already begun to arrange for housing for individuals in its Youth Program.
"Safe and reliable housing is consistently identified by our youth as a need that is at the top of the list," said Avi Bowie, Director of Youth Programs at Center on Halsted. "Often our youth lose jobs, or are pushed out of school because they struggle to stay awake, to feel confident, and to show up after having to sleep on the train due to not getting picked from the lottery for a spot at the shelter."
The initial site includes 24-hour security, community areas, laundry facilities, and nearby case management offices. The program offers wrap-around case-management services, and optional, needs-based clinical support provided by Center on Halsted Youth program Staff. Residents will transition out of the units based on their individual needs and plans, but within an estimated two to five years.
Eligible residents are LGBT youth, ages 18-to-24, experiencing another youth-specific indicator of vulnerability, such as trauma history or disability, who are currently enrolled in the Center on Halsted Youth Program and are experiencing homelessness. Youth can enter into the program through their 25th birthday. Eligible individuals are invited to apply and upon meeting criteria, selection is determined randomly and a waiting list established thereafter.
The Center is undertaking the program in cooperation with the Teen Living Center, which will help expand the core of the Youth Program's Patrons and the reach and presence of the program on Chicago's South Side, according to the release.
"Center on Halsted has once again listened to community and is stepping up to meet its needs in an innovate model," said Modesto "Tico" Valle, the Center's CEO. "We are a community that strives to not let one another fall behind."