BETHLEHEM, PA, February 20 2018 – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced nearly $2 billion to renew more than 5,800 local homeless housing and service programs across the U.S. and its territories. These Continuum of Care (CoC) grants will help end homelessness and provide critically needed support to local programs on the front lines of serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Valley Youth House was awarded a total of over $2.9 million in the competition, representing an increase of $500,000 over the current level. The funds underwrite 12 programs that provide housing and supportive services for households and individuals experiencing literal homelessness, enabling them to transition successfully to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
Valley Youth House received $2,538,192 in HUD funded program renewals for Rapid ReHousing programs in Northampton, Lehigh, Luzerne, Bucks, Montgomery, York, and Philadelphia counties. Additionally, the organization received $167,746 for an expansion of current Rapid ReHousing programs in Luzerne and York counties and $270,689 for new Rapid ReHousing programs in Montgomery and Lackawanna counties.
Most of the programs receiving this HUD funding target young adults ages 18-24, many of whom are accompanied by their children. Valley Youth House staff assist each household in determining individual goals to assure stable housing, educational advancement, employment, life skills and connections to mainstream resources to ensure long-term success. Experiential learning, opportunities for success and trauma informed care are the hallmark of Valley Youth House Independent Living programs, which includes Rapid ReHousing. Valley Youth House Independent Living Program outcomes typically exceed national benchmarks for similar populations, with 77% remaining in stable housing and 65% remaining employed at the conclusion of services.
In total, Valley Youth House expects to house over 250 households in an eight county region of eastern Pennsylvania with this HUD funding. Across all VYH programs and funding streams, the organization anticipates housing 300 children and 650 young adults across 18 counties in Pennsylvania this year.
About Valley Youth House
Valley Youth House (ValleyYouthHouse.org) does more than just provide homes for Pennsylvania’s vulnerable, abused and homeless youth. We partner with thousands of individuals each year to build a solid foundation for young people and their families. With dedicated street outreach, housing, counseling, skills training, health, prevention, and intervention services, we empower resilient young people in establishing promising futures.
Information provided to TVL by:
Emily Conners
Valley Youth House Development Officer
https://www.valleyyouthhouse.org/
