Transitional Living Program

In 1996, Operation SafeHouse opened a transitional living program to address the growing need for safe and adequate housing for older youth and those aging out of the foster care system.

Operation SafeHouse Main Street Transitional Living Program is designed to provide 20 youth, male and female, age 18 through 21 with housing, basic needs, comprehensive services, and independent living skills in a supervised apartment setting, for up to 18 months.

Participants live independently in 1 or 2 bedroom apartments with a roommate and receive daily support provided by on-site Case Managers. Clients work closely with Case Managers to secure employment, and/or complete high school/GED requirements and to pursue further education opportunities.

Operation SafeHouse Main Street Transitional Living Program offers young adults who have no alternatives but the streets or other unsafe living conditions a safe and supportive environment that allows for positive opportunities, personal and professional growth, and life skills training. Furthermore, the agency seeks to break the cycle of homelessness, and restore emotional, physical and spiritual resiliency.

Target Population

The target population and eligibility criteria for the project includes:

• Young adults ages 18- 21 years of age and their children, if any

• Older youth transitioning out of the foster care system

• Regular school attendance and/or employment

• Clean drug test

• Willingness to enter a structured behavioral contract upon acceptance into the program

Program Components

The required program components include:

• Demonstrate motivation to succeed in obtaining education/employment skills/permanent housing (work toward the goal of self-sufficiency)

• Assist with the development of their own case management plans, including individual/group counseling

• When employed, agreeable to development of a savings plan

• Attend required life skill classes to develop healthy independent living