Becky Ewing introduced our program today on the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project. Rotary Charities has shifted their focus a bit to offer support for deep rooted problems in our community such as youth homelessness. She introduced our Sakura Raferty, NWCOC Chair for Goodwill and NMI Director of Housing and Abigail Jordan, TCAPS Students in Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) Coordinator.
Sakura and Abigail have spearheaded the crusade to battle the homeless problems with our youth ages 14-24. Sakura has helped leverage funds from HUD to help implement housing options in our area for youth. This is a population that is often overlooked and under-served.
A survey presented to youth who are experiencing home instability showed that many youth couch surf or are doubled up in a home due to a variety of abusive or unsafe family circumstances. As youth move from one from one living situation to another, school performance suffers and they can lose up to 4-5 months of education in one year.
Key components in moving towards impactful solutions is to merge resources with coordinated entry into the system, HUD, health services, emergency and crisis response. With receiving $1.3 million in federal funding over 2 years, the community must match this by 25%. This brings a request for innovation and collaboration with churches, Habitat for Humanity, TBAISD, local donors and such.
The guiding principles are youth-driven, focus on sustainability, education/employment and social/emotional well-being.
East Bay Flats will emerge as a housing resource that will offer support and life skills development for youth who struggle with housing stability.
Thank you Sakura and Abigail for a thought-provoking program.
Sakura Raferty