The City of Pensacola has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) to launch “Hand Up for Youth,” a CHS program addressing the community’s critical issue of youth homelessness.
WHY THIS MATTERS: The timing is crucial, as Escambia County faces growing challenges with youth homelessness. Recent data from the Florida Department of Education shows 1,913 homeless youth in the county during the last school year, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
- Leah Harrison, Executive Director at Children’s Home Society, said, “This partnership with the City of Pensacola is a critical step in addressing the urgent needs of our local homeless youth. Of the 245 children we served last year, the situations that have led to homelessness vary, but this gift from the city directly responds to two of the largest challenges they face: access to safe, stable housing and a path to independence.”
DETAILS: The “Hand Up for Youth” Program will focus on two main initiatives: supportive permanent housing for youth ages 18-23 and host homes for those aged 16-17. The supportive housing component will provide up to six months of rent assistance and 18 months of case management, aiming to help at least 15 young people secure stable housing. The host homes initiative will focus on recruiting families to provide safe, temporary housing for younger teens.
SUPPORT: Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves voiced his support: “Solving homelessness isn’t a one-size-fits-all problem, and there are many facets to consider. Our partnership with the Children’s Home Society of Florida reflects the city’s commitment to exploring diverse solutions, including addressing the needs of our area’s ‘invisible youth.’ To improve our residents’ quality of life and reduce homelessness, we need local community leaders, businesses, and charities to unite for a real chance at making lasting change.”
The program aims to create sustainable solutions by providing not just housing but comprehensive support services to help young people achieve independence. Those interested in supporting the initiative or becoming a host home can contact Kelli Foster, Director of Homeless Youth Programming, at kelli.foster@chsfl.org.