Allegheny County announces new initiatives to combat youth homelessness

The Department of Human Services is spearheading new initiatives to support young adults ages 18 through 24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, officials announced Thursday.

DHS is implementing four new projects that aim to increase housing security for unaccompanied transitioned age youth, couples and young families throughout Allegheny County.

“Stable housing is the foundation for helping people thrive. It’s a critical need for our youth who are turning 18,” DHS Director Marc Cherna said. “We thank all of our community partners who have been working together to ensure that Allegheny County has effective programs in place to help house those who are transitioning to adulthood.”

These projects were derived from the Coordinated Community Plan to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness developed by DHS, the Systems Improvement Through Youth Advisory Board, and more than 30 partnering community agencies.

The Host Home Project will offer youth housing in private homes. The youth placed in these homes will be paired with supportive services. Prospective hosts will commit to providing a safe and welcoming environment and must complete background checks, home inspection and comprehensive training.

The Rapid Re-housing Project (RRH) is the expansion of an evidence-based model for ending homelessness that already boasts a successful track record in Allegheny County. Through this project, the county will invest in 55 additional units — nearly a 75% increase to the current inventory of youth-dedicated RRH units. This project focuses on shared housing for youth seeking affordable housing arrangements with built-in peer support.

Another project, dubbed the Mobile Prevention and Diversion Project, is a mobile, customized prevention and diversion service that is designed to “stop a housing challenge from becoming a homelessness crisis,” officials said.

The fourth and final project announced Thursday is the Youth Navigation Project. This project involves a team of youth homelessness specialists who offer individualized coaching and comprehensive service coordination for youth involved in homeless services.

The projects are funded by a $3.5 million Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Coordinated Community Plan outlines additional strategies and partnerships which aim to support unstably housed youths’ needs in a variety of areas, ranging from education and employment to health and civic leadership.

“This is truly a coordinated effort,” Cynthia Shields, assistant deputy director for the DHS Office of Community Services, said. “It was incredible to see the wide variety of stakeholders, including youth who have firsthand experience with homelessness, come together to create this plan that addresses the local needs of youth at risk of and experiencing homelessness.”

Young adults who are experiencing a housing crisis should contact the Allegheny Link at 866-730-2368.

More information regarding the Coordinated Community Plan is available on Allegheny County’s website.