More than 400 unaccompanied homeless youth live in Sarasota County. The Youth Advocacy Team, a group of social-service providers and funders that coalesced through Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Unaccompanied Homeless Youth initiative, has been working on several key strategies to improve services for these vulnerable but resilient teens and young adults. One new approach that is working: housing subsidies that help 16- to 24-year-olds who are experiencing homelessness secure a safe and stable place to live while they continue their education.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, the group is currently funding 10 such subsidies—five housing subsidies for youth over 18 who are ready to rent their own apartment; and five room-rental subsidies for youth to stay with a responsible family. Funding for the subsidies comes through Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, while the Sarasota Housing Authority manages the rental placements.

The teens and young adults who utilize this assistance must attend school and meet regularly with a case manager; for the housing subsidies, they also must work at least part-time and put a portion of their earnings toward their housing.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation