v. Housing Models for Youth & Housing Stabilization

Housing models for youth should include both short- and long-term housing options that follow a Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) approach [link to Homeless Hub]. HF4Y centers youth choice, voice, and self-determination; provides housing stability and holistic supports; and facilitates healthy transitions to adulthood and independence. Housing models and support services designed for adults but implemented to support youth are not considered taking a HF4Y approach. For guidance on how to improve your community’s implementation of specific housing models for youth experiencing homelessness, please refer to the tagged resources for more information.

What Should Housing Models for Youth Look Like?

Housing models can be categorized into short-term and long-term housing, Housing models should “combine rental or housing
assistance with individualized, flexible, and voluntary support services” (48). According to the Homeless Hub, the goal of all housing
options under housing first for youth (HF4Y) is to provide housing stability, support youth holistically, and achieve a healthy transition
to adulthood (49). Access to services and supports depends on the specific needs and desires of the youth (49). Core principles of the
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Provider Training and Support

Service providers and case managers are key to the success of permanent housing programs and strategies. Youth-specific trainings
prepare service providers to work more effectively with youth by using a youth-focused and individualized approach. Each program
will have to implement specific trainings for their service providers. However, we have identified key trainings and strategies that all
organizations should consider when implementing a youth-specific strategy to address and end youth homelessness.

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Promoting Housing Stabilization Through Case Management, Holistic Empowerment, and Ensuring Youths Wellbeing

Providing long-term housing is not sufficient to ensure independent living and a healthy transition to adulthood. Long-term housing
programs must be accompanied by supportive services and resources. These additional supports should promote housing
stabilization and support youth strengthen their sense of belonging with their community and/or family, as well as building skills,
financial, education, and employment assistance, and clinical support (49). Case managers have a key role in providing these services,
connecting youth with resources, and implementing...

Implementing Housing Models for Youth

One of the first steps towards achieving independent living is providing short-term and long-term housing programs for youth using
a Housing First for Youth approach. Housing options for youth need to be tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of youth
(49). Examples of strategies related to this intervention area include youth-specific Transitional Housing, Joint TH/RRH programs,
Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) programs, mediation strategies for landlords, eviction prevention, and implementation of more flexible
referral processes to housing....