Creating Networks of Support: Housing Models for Transitioning Youth

Spectrum of Support

Point of Entry Services

Housing Programs

Health Services

Education and Employment Services

Youth Profile  71% have received mental health counseling  51% have a history of psychiatric care  34% have a history of psychiatric hospitalization  90% report substance use at intake  29% report a history of substance abuse treatment

Youth Profile  45% have a history of foster care  Among youth previously in foster care:  83% in placement as adolescents  Average of 7 total placements

Youth Profile

Larkin Street Philosophy  Housing first as a treatment modality  Continuum of care  Harm reduction principles  Individualized, youth centered services  Life skills focus  Real life consequences  Youth voice

LSYS Housing Models  Emergency Shelter  Up to 4 months  Safety and stability  Case management engagement  Development of housing plan

LSYS Housing Models  Supportive, Subsidized Housing  Up to 2 years  Master lease 10 units in SRO hotel  Housing first  50% of income is rent  Rent can be GA or SSI  Education, employment, and/or treatment based

LSYS Housing Models  Transitional Congregate Housing  Up to 18 months  Employment and education based  Focus on community participation  30% of income is rent = savings plan  24/7 on-site staff support

LSYS Housing Models  Transitional Scattered Site Housing  Up to 2 years  Master lease and shallow subsidy  Studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom apartments  Employment and education based  30% of income is rent = savings plan  Gradual increase in rent  Gradual decrease in shallow subsidy

LSYS Housing Models  Licensed Residential Care Facility  2+ years  On-site medical care  24/7 On-site staff support  Focus on productive, purposeful activity  Intensive case management

LSYS Housing Models  Specialized Scattered Site Housing  2+ years  Emergency and long-term subsidy  Intensive case management  Medical care  Milieu support: individual, peer and group counseling

LSYS Housing Models  Permanent Housing  Project based section 8 subsidy  Voluntary case management  Property management partnership

Youth Expectations and Agreements  Case management  Education and employment goals  Treatment and recovery  Life skills groups  Timely payment of rent  Community participation  Community safety

Dedicated vs Mixed Populations  Economic/geographic context  Landlord/tenant laws  Dedicated housing best with smaller number of units (under 25)  Mixed housing more cost effective  Risks for youth exploitation  Opportunities to develop pro-social behaviors with peers and/or adults and children  Ideal population with youth: families with children

Building Community Support  Long-term strategic planning  Knowing key stakeholders  Knowing neighborhood concerns  Leveraging political climate  No surprises Eliza C. Gibson, LCSW, Chief of Programs