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Runaway & Homeless Youth Services

Runaway and Homeless Youth Services – Programs that are federally funded with a mission to prevent and end youth experiences of homelessness. UAY offers a Transitional Living Program (TLP) and a Street Outreach Program (SOP). Details and referral links for both can be found below.

Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Services Provided

  • Outreach services to secure employment, enroll in educational services, find housing

  • Residential services include being housed in UAY’s properties, independent living skill building, and advocacy

  • Aftercare services include support and advocacy beyond living in our housing program

Eligibility

  • Homeless teens/teen parents age 16 up to 21.

  • Homelessness is defined by: living on the streets, doubling up with friends or family, couch hopping, or living in an overcrowded household. All LGBTQ youth who have been kicked out and rejected by their families due to their sexual orientation are eligible. 

  • In cases of family conflict, we would begin with a referral to UAY's Crisis Mediation Program

  • Priority is given to young parents and their children.

  • Young people living in Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, Washington, or Muscatine Counties in Iowa.

  • Young people identified as a Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) by the Iowa Courts are NOT eligible. 

  • Services are voluntary.

Referral Process

  • Referrals are welcomed from a variety of sources including community agencies and directly from young people

  • Call United Action for Youth at  319-338-7518  or contact Hailey Franzen

Street Outreach Program (SOP)

The Street Outreach Program provides homelessness intervention services to young people from age 12 to under age 22. The goal of the SOP is to connect Street Outreach Advocates with youth at risk of, or currently experiencing, homelessness in its’ service area. SOP Advocates host drop in sites and meet with individuals to help connect them with resources to overcome their current housing crisis. See below for service information.

  • Services circulate Cedar, Johnson and Washington Counties

  • SOP Advocates will assist youth in exiting street homelessness and obtaining safe shelter.

  • SOP Advocates will help youth obtain basic living necessitates (hygiene items, food, etc.)

  • SOP Advocates will work 1:1 with youth on individual goal plans while building report to return them to safe shelter as soon as possible.

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