Youth Housing Project

History

YHPIn January 2005, after more than 3 1/2 years of hard work, The Center announced the creation of an innovative youth supportive housing project. This cutting-edge program is one of the first projects of its kind in the United States. The Youth Housing project provides 23 units of affordable, supportive housing for youth between 18-24 years of age, with a special focus on LGBTQ+ youth. These high-risk youth are currently transitioning out of foster care and/or group homes, or living in the streets or in public spaces after having been ejected from their homes because of their sexual orientation.

This project has been made possible by the leadership and vision of Rev. Tony Freeman, Dr. Heather Berberet, San Diego City Councilmember Toni Atkins, Jennifer LeSar, The Center and its project collaborators -- YMCA Youth and Family Services, San Diego Youth and Community Services, Metropolitan Community Church, Walden Family Services, and the Chadwick Center at Children’s Hospital.  We opened our doors to youth at the beginning of February 2006.


Program Description
YHPThe Center’s Youth Housing Project provides safe and supportive housing for San Diego’s homeless youth, including LBGT and HIV-positive youth. The 23-unit facility is located in downtown San Diego at 1640 Broadway, close to City College, public transportation, community health facilities and other essential resources. The facility is wheelchair accessible and contains two units that have been retrofitted to accommodate persons in wheelchairs. A major goal of YHP is to ensure that youth have easy access to needed services that will support them in maintaining stable housing.

Services Offered
Youth transitioning out of the foster care system or out of homelessness often have numerous needs that, unaddressed, can interfere with stable housing or development of independent living skills. Services (on-site and off-site) that address these needs include the following:

  • Case Management: on-site case management available to current and former residents, information, advocacy and referrals are provided through case managers.
  • Employment and Mentoring Services: on-site employment development services and assist residents with gaining the skills they need to gain employment, assists with placing residents in employment opportunities where they can be mentored in a career area of interest to them.
  • Mental Health Services: free on-site and off-site mental health services are available.
  • Independent Living Skills Groups, Workshops and Services: ILS groups, workshops, speakers and services offered on a regular basis. Topics include: employment, financial skills, education and health education.
  • Recreation Events: Events that promote social connection and create community including weekly community dinners, monthly tenant council, monthly outings, monthly tenant recognition ceremonies, and monthly birthday celebrations.

Eligibility Requirements

  •  Applicants must be homeless as defined by HUD.
  •  Applicants must be between the ages of 18-24 at time of application.
  •  Applicants must meet low-income requirements.
  •  Applicants must have a qualifying disability  (mental health, chronic substance abuse, or HIV/AIDS)
  •  Applicants must be able to live independently.
  •  Eligibility is based on the applicant’s current need, apartment availability, and application process.

Questions about eligibility and services may be directed to Allison Conescu, M. Ed., aconescu@thecentersd.org or 619-255-7854 x103

Wish List for the Youth Housing Project

Supplies to support Community Dinner and Group Activities

  • Gift Cards to Target, Ralph's, Albertson’s, Starbucks, Old Navy, and other stores to provide incentives for client's goal achievements. 
  • Gift certificates to Subway, Domino’s and other restaurants to support group activities.
  • Gift cards to arts and crafts stores for Expressive Arts Group supplies.

Sponsorhip

Opportunities

shelter

Click here to make a contribution to the Youth Housing Project TODAY!



donate



or Click here to see the many naming opportunities available to sponsor the youth housing project. Questions about these opportunities may be directed to Jeffrey Wergeles at jwergeles@thecentersd.org , or (619) 692-2077, ext. 204.

brochure



Click here to download the Youth Housing Project brochure