Finding housing for young people experiencing homelessness is not always easy. There are many steps they must take to become “housing ready”. Take for example Taylor’s story.Taylor walked through our Drop-In Center doors for the first time during the winter of 2015 at the age of 17. She had been couch hopping for some time and simply wanted a place she could call home.

Taylor visited HOPE 4 Youth frequently and utilized the services and resources available to her including eating the hot meal that is served every day, accessing the food pantry and clothing closet, and checking in with a Case Manager. She worked closely with her Case Manager to formulate a plan to end her couch hopping. She knew that employment was only the first step in her plan and her Case Manager discussed with her the need to budget her money so she could save up for a deposit and first and last month’s rent. The goal was not just to get Taylor housing ready, but to set her up for success.

Recently, Taylor visited the Drop-In Center and told her Case Manager that she was able to save up the money they had discussed. It could not have been better timing as there was a cottage down the street that had availability and was ready for the next “housing ready” Youth from HOPE 4 Youth, which just happened to be Taylor. The next day Taylor and her Case Manager took a tour of the cottage and Taylor agreed it would be the perfect first apartment; a starter place she could call home.

Our work with Taylor does not end just because she is housed Taylor will continue to meet with her Case Manager to discuss any questions or concerns about living on her own and her Case Manager will continue to teach her the importance of continuing to budget and saving for situations that may arise so she can be successful in her everyday life.

It took many people to move Taylor from homeless to housed and all of us at HOPE 4 Youth thank you for the part you play in ensuring we are able to do that!