If you are a runaway youth, an aged out foster child, or anyone who is impoverished and in need of a helping hand, there are resources that can help you as you learn to navigate life’s challenges. Below is a compilation of resources available in your state.
Project Oz
1105 W Front StBloomington, IL 61701
Phone: (309) 827-0377
Are you homeless and age 17-22? Apply for housing with us. A limited number of apartments are available. While you are with us, we will teach you skills to increase your independence, help you find a job and finish your education, and connect you to lots of services. Even when there is a waiting list, we can still help you with jobs, skills, and education.
Programs/Services: prevention, crisis intervention, Youth Empowered Schools (YES), Housing and homelessness resources.
Ignite
5500 S Indiana Ave(Basement of Life Center COGIC)
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 548-4443
https://www.ignitepromise.org/
Ignite offers a comprehensive continuum of services to young people between the ages of 14 to 24 who are unstably housed or experiencing homelessness. Beyond meeting youth’s immediate needs, our services provide youth with all the tools and support they need to succeed. stable housing; access to employment and education opportunities; primary and mental health care; lasting connections with caring adults, and the skills to live a healthy and independent life.
Programs/Services: stable housing; access to employment and education opportunities; primary and mental health care; lasting connections with caring adults, and the skills to live a healthy and independent life.
YWCA Quad Cities
1600 2nd AveRock Island
309.788.3479
The Center focuses on keeping families from going into a crisis situations; if a situation arises, the YWCA’s Empowerment Center will create a plan to bring that family or indvidual out of the situation. The Center was designed to keep families and individuals out of poverty for good. With computers and printers, a vast resource library, and staff on hand to help support all clients, the YWCA’s Empowerment center strives to help those in the Quad Cities who struggle to make ends meet.
Programs/Services: Computers and printers for resume building, refining, and printing
Access to job applications – both online and printed, Housing referrals, Employment assistance, Support services, Financial planning services, thePlace2B for youth.
Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley
YSB of Illinois424 W. Madison
Ottawa, IL 61350
P (815) 433-3953 For young adults ages 16-21 living without support in unstable and non-traditional settings arrangements. Youth are linked to area services, taught independent living skills, and aided in finding jobs. It is the goal of YSB to keep youth off the streets and safe. YSB has joined the ranks of SAFE PLACE, a national program which provides immediate help and safety for all young people in crisis. (Available in LaSalle County)
Programs/Services: Transitional Housing, Supportive Services, 24 hour crisis intervention.
Covenant House Illinois
Covenant House Illinois is an advocate for helping homeless youth. They have shelter safety, which offers a daytime youth development center as well as crisis housing. Homeless youth will be provided with immediate medical care, food, and a safe place to rest. They have trust community, which gives the youth access to mentors, guidance, mental health services, life enrichment programs, and more. They have a better tomorrow, where youth and case managers work together to create a plan and life goals to overcome homelessness.
The Night Ministry
The Night Ministry is a Chicago based organization that works to provide several sources of help for those in the community who are struggling with homelessness, including runaway youth and those who have aged out of foster care. They have youth engagement services that focus on building relationships with youth and young adults who are on the streets, in schools, or in drop-in programs. The Crib provides young adults 18 to 24 with safe and supportive emergency overnight shelter as well as helping them develop life and leadership skills.
They also have early intervention services and the interim housing program for youths aged 14 to 21 in short-term housing that fosters stability, independent living skills, and responsibility. There is a long-term residential service that provides housing and intensive life skills. It offers up to 2 years of housing for residents between 18 and 21. All residents must be working toward or have already acquired a GED or high school diploma. All residents are helped with finding and maintaining employment, so they can transition into their own homes after their stay.
The Harbour
The Harbour provides several programs for homeless female youth. They offer emergency shelter for girls aged 12 to 20. They also have a youth in transition program that provides up to 18 months of transitional housing to young men and women between 16 and 24 through both supervised group living and scattered site apartments. They also have successful teen/effective parents programs that specialize in services specifically for pregnant and parenting youth between the ages of 16 and 22 as they live in their own apartments and learn to parent effectively. They also offer transitional living (group care) and independent living option (apartment based support) to those who are aging out of foster care. This service helps them develop skills for employment, education, financial security, and guidance as they transition into adulthood. They are offered services and housing support until they turn 21.