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Cleveland Housing Program for Aging Out Youth
By Dawn Hanson, PR Newswire—Cuyahoga County has put some resources into serving youth who are aging out of foster care. The YWCA Greater Cleveland has opened Independence Place, a residential facility for young adults who are 18-24 who have aged out of foster care.
Photo: Susana Mariscal
"Many of the young adults who transition out of foster care are all alone and, through no fault of their own, find themselves in desperate circumstances," said Margaret Mitchell, YWCA Greater Cleveland president and CEO.
Permanent safe housing is a key to success for youth transitioning from foster care to adulthood. Research suggests that around a quarter of aged out youth experience homelessness within three years of aging out.
YWCA Greater Cleveland is supporting approximately 100 youth a year with help from the Nurturing Independence and Aspirations program. Together they have furnished 23 apartments that include private baths and kitchenettes. The organizations want to help youth gain the skills they need for self-sufficiency. The NIA program offers supportive services to reach that goal like GED preparation, parenting, and independent living skills.
"Independence Place is a place of promise and hope," Mitchell said. "We believe this innovative model of residential support will be one that is replicated across the country."
Courtesy of PR Newswire
Original Article: YWCA Greater Cleveland Offers Supportive Housing for Former Foster Youth