Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project is a collaboration of non-profits from across the state providing housing solutions and support for homeless youth in Oklahoma. Our goal is to accompany each young person on their journey to adulthood, ensuring they have the chance to discover they are more than their current circumstance, are capable, and can become contributing members of society. Research shows that by addressing the five basic domains of need (housing, education, employment, permanent connections, and well-being), youth increase their likelihood to maintain stable housing, pursue education, learn valuable life skills, and go on to lead independent and self-sufficient lives. The purpose of our collaboration is to bolster available affordable housing units and programs for youth and young adults, increase needed infrastructure for youth serving agencies, and provide supportive services to assist transition aged youth from a life of fear, instability, and homelessness to one of hope and opportunity.

EVIDENCE

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) reported that multiple physical, economic, social, financial, and institutional factors contribute to the immense youth homelessness seen in Oklahoma. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports one-third of teens on the street are lured into prostitution within 48 hours of leaving home. Homeless youth experience rape and assault rates 2 to 3 times higher than the general youth population. The American Academy of Pediatrics finds youth experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to attempt suicide. High-risk youth include those with childhood trauma, intellectual and developmental disabilities, child welfare involvement, and the LGBTQ+.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

We serve young people unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. The majority of unsheltered youth have a history of significant trauma and often have involvement with child welfare agencies or the juvenile justice system. We know that higher levels of trauma drastically increase the chances of chronic health conditions, substance use issues, and engaging in risky behaviors. Without intervention, incarceration, chronic homelessness, or early death are likely outcomes for these youth. Due to COVID-19, mental health issues increased as a result of isolation and grief from the loss of family and friends. The quality of education declined due to online services and lack of accessibility. Services for homeless youth were affected when service providers had to close, go virtual, reduce capacity, and more. Sheltering at home with family caused an increase in domestic violence that also increased by severity. Loss of family income created stress and limited basic needs.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Our main goal is to end the cycle of homelessness and dependency by helping young adults become self-sufficient. We reduce barriers to self-sufficiency through access to safe housing, stable employment, and connections to ongoing support and resources. Utilizing HMIS, we will track the number of youth served, the average length of stay, and individual goals (life skills, education, employment skills, and employment). We will measure the increase in Transitional Living Program units available, the number of young people served, educational advancement, employment stability, and connections to ongoing support and resources.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma