Housing Youth
In partnership with Continuum of Care community organizations, Bethany for Children & Families offers transitional housing services for youth and teens who are experiencing homelessness in the Quad Cities region.
Based on the successful Housing First model, the program offer housing as quickly as possible for youth and teens, and then connects them to services and community-based resources. Clients may include those who are aging out of foster care, may be emancipated, and/or homeless minors. Bethany offers two programs for homeless teens and youth.
Bethany offers a program for homeless teens and young adults. Clients may include those who are aging out of foster care, may be emancipated, and/or homeless minors. Rapid re-housing and case management services are provided to homeless individuals in the Quad Cities region between the ages of 17-24. Clients are provided furnished apartments in the Illinois Quad Cities area, and there is ongoing, random monitoring 24/7. Clients must attend school and/or be employed. Single-parent teens may also participate in the program.
This program stabilizes client housing and address the issues that cause homelessness and prevent independence. Youth and teens are provided comprehensive services that address their most pressing needs: a safe, stable home, adequate income to meet their basic needs, and assistance and direction in overcoming the problems that interfere with their ability to live independently
Once clients are settled in their preferred neighborhood (if possible, since it prevents further disruption for school, work, and support networks), basic needs are met. Intensive case management assists them in identifying the root causes of homelessness.
Assistance may include: goal setting; money management and budgeting; connecting clients to community resources such as mental health, medical, and dental; helping with vocational and educational training; resolving legal issues, and employment counseling.
Within a specific timeframe, clients become progressively responsible for their living expenses. Participants are expected to find employment or increase individual income, complete educational opportunities, and keep housing that can be maintained into the future. Self-sufficiency is encouraged by giving young people opportunities to exercise leadership and responsibility, build skills, and get involved in their communities.