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.
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network
Multi-Locations StatewideMain Office
1 Frederick Abbott Way,
Framingham, MA 01701
T: 508.879.9800
Transitional housing and support for homeless young adults ages 18-21. Provides shelter and case management services to assist young adults as they transition to independent living.
Programs/Services: Prescott Young Adult Program, Shortstop Transitional Housing Program, STEPS Young Adult Resource Center, Tempo Young Adult Services, Other supportive services.
Dial/Self Youth and Community Services
196 FEDERAL STREETGreenfield, MA 01301
(413) 774-7054
DIAL/SELF helps young people become independent by connecting them with housing, employment, education and civic opportunities.
Programs/Services: Teen Line, Safe Place, Transitional Housing (Turners Falls), North Quabbin Office, LGBTQ Housing First, Greenfield Teen Housing, Northampton Teen Housing, Orange Teen Housing.
CHD
246 Park Street,West Springfield, MA 01089
(413)-781-6556
CHD’s Independent Living Program is a voluntary program serving young adults between the ages of 17-22 years referred by the Department of Children and Families. Independent Living is a scattered-site program, meaning each youth is placed in his/her own apartment throughout the Greater Springfield, Massachusetts area. The program offers guidance in acquiring skills that will help young adults make the transition to independence and self-sufficiency. Clients are provided with individual apartments, basic utilities and assistance in daily living expenses.
Programs/Services: Independent Living, Juvenile Justice Services, Homelessness services, Child Welfare Services, Educational and other support services.
LUK
Multi Locations-5LUK Main Office
545 Westminster St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
508-762-3200
To challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services. We partner to create communities where all people are safe, healthy, and resilient.
Programs/Services: Case management—one-on-one support, Linkages with high school/GED/continuing educational services, Job skills training, Housing applications, Connections to area services, Supervised apartment program, Sponsor homes, Life skills training, maternity group home, Transitional apartments, 24/7 shelter, youth center.
Youth On Fire
The Youth on Fire is a drop-in center that provides a welcoming and non-judgmental place for homeless youth. It is open five days a week and services people between the ages of 14 and 24. Youth on Fire serves the physical and mental health needs of the youth who are more at risk for contracting HIV. The center offers a compilation of basic needs, including prevention and information on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C, and other diseases associated with high-risk behaviors. They also provide hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as weekly medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources. The goal of Youth on Fire is to help as many youth as possible live healthy lifestyles, and seek greater stability through housing, secure employment, and education.
The Haven Project
The Haven Project provides many services. Employment is one of them. They have many connections with local businesses and homeless or at-risk youth are sent to local temporary agencies to start developing job history. The services include resume preparation, job searches, practice interviewing, appropriate clothing, and on-site volunteer opportunities. Another service is basic needs in a drop-in center. The Haven Project evaluates individual situations and provides an area for youth to get off the streets. Hot meals are provided, and there is unrestricted access to a food pantry. There are showers offered, on-site laundry, funds for transportation and identification, clothing, backpacks, and hygiene items. Youth are also given access to health care, emergency phones, and food stamps.
All young people are encouraged to get a high school level education and learn to communicate in English. Volunteers and staffs help with homework, test preparation, and ESL coursework. They are partnered with the Career Center, North Shore Community College, and high schools to ensure all participants are fast-tracked for enrollment and get the available financial aid they need. They also have an online, in-house education program that lets students prepare for the GED and make progress in high school courses.
The Haven Project also has developed a viable list of temporary housing options. They can help place youth in emergency shelters, host homes, help with room rentals, or place them in a transitional housing apartment. They also help young people get housing subsidies. They have also opened a transitional housing apartment for youth between 18 and 24 to provide rapid, safe, and affordable housing while they work toward stability.
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Bridge Over Troubled Waters is an organization that is dedicated to helping runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth through safe, supportive and encouraging relationships and effective services. They provide street outreach, mobile medical vans, runaway hotlines, counseling and support, transitional day and welcome center programs, education and career development, emergency residency, transitional living programs, single parent housing, and housing. They service young people between the ages of 14 and 24.