Housing
Our supportive housing resource is a place where youth can rest, recharge, and heal. In each home, mentors act as the first point of contact for youth. Community is built through weekly house dinners, shared experiences, and daily interactions. It’s a model that feels more like a family than a program. We recognize that having stable housing is only the start of long term stability. It’s through community that youth begin to rebuild their circles of support and achieve interdependence.
Our Homes
At A.Y.A. Youth Collective, housing exists to bridge the gap between homelessness and interdependence. Finding long term stability only occurs when community and young people work in tandem to create opportunities for growth and change. We walk alongside each young person who moves into our homes, setting goals together that make sense for their life circumstances. Each house has dedicated mentors on site ready to support at any time along a youth’s journey toward stability. Learn about each of our homes and meet our mentors below!
8
Homes
11
On-Site Mentors
50+
Youth Welcomed Home Since 2012
675+
House Dinners Shared
What We Do
Provide Housing
One to two mentors and three to four youth live together in a duplex
Youth sign lease to foster ownership
Youth pay $300 per month for rent
Build Community
Day to day interactions with mentors and roommates
Establishment of traditions for birthday celebrations and holidays
Alumni network
Long-lasting & consistent relationships
Find Stability
Move out into independent housing
Obtain living-wage employment
Pursue additional education
Secure reliable transportation
Gallery
Housing Inquiries
To inquire about openings within our homes please visit our drop-in center. Our advocates are the first to know when there is an opening and can talk with you if our supportive housing resource is the best next step for you! We will also explore housing options from other providers to find the best fit for you!
Pillars of our Housing Resource:
Community
Youth enter a house and become a part of a community like none other. Youth receive immediate support and encouragement through an environment where they are known and their basic needs are met. The community is built through weekly house dinners, birthday celebrations, and time together during the holidays.
Advocacy
We partner with community organizations to provide youth advocacy/case management services. Each young person sets short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals, and works to achieve these goals with their youth advocate, house mentors, and supportive networks.
Building A Future
Educational barriers are broken down as youth obtain high school diplomas, GEDs, and attend college. Employment barriers are decreased as supportive employers partner to hire youth and train them in vocational sectors. Authentic life skills training occurs within the context of real-life situations and creates opportunities for growth.
FAQ’s
How big are the homes?
Each home is typically a duplex style home with room for 3-4 youth. The additional unit typically can house 1 or 2 mentors.
How much does it cost to live in a home?
Youth pay $300 dollars a month. $50 of this cost it put towards utilities.
What support do youth receive once they leave AYA housing?
Youth have the opportunity to earn a scholarship of up to $1,200 payable upon move out. These scholarships are paid to youth who pay rent on-time and work diligently towards achieving the goals they develop with their mentors.
What are youth required to do?
Youth participate in weekly house dinners and other activities and meetings with mentors and the Housing Coordinator.
What can youth expect from their house mentor?
Mentors help youth learn to drive, study for exams, identify goals, learn to cook, learn from youth about their favorite meals, expose youth to more opportunities and experiences and more. Most importantly, mentors provide genuine encouragement and support as youth work towards their goals!
Testimonials
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