We Know How to Support Youth Experiencing Homelessness.

Youth in need of shelter and housing in Chicago have an array of options provided by organizations like Ignite, The Night Ministry, and other providers. One type of housing is transitional living programs which provide up to two years of housing and support for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. Research shows that transitional living programs lead to positive outcomes for youth who have faced housing instability, as shown below. Youth who are able to participate in these programs experience improved stability, positive educational and professional outcomes, and higher levels of reported overall well-being.

How Can You Help?

Among all program residents...

73%

Exited into stable long-term housing

69%

Were employed or in school

74%

64% 19%

Were employed

Were in school

83%

75%

For BIPOC youth...

Exited into stable long-term housing

For long-term residents (> 1 year)...

Exited into stable long-term housing

Were employed or in school

Source: National Network for Youth

In 2020, there were approximately 14,000 youth experiencing homelessness in Chicago (Chicago Coalition for the Homeless), with only 192 transitional housing beds to serve them (HUD).

There were approximately 9,499 transitional housing beds for youth nationally (HUD).

There are more youth experiencing homelessness in Chicago than there are transitional housing beds in the entire country to help them.

Why Support Transitional Housing?

Because of transitional housing I was able to save up to buy my own car, learned how to file my taxes and a lot more life skills... Transitional housing has helped and support[ed] me to become the best version of myself.

Member of National Network for Youth’s National Youth Advisory Council

WE NEED MORE BEDS.

Transitional living programs are effective for youth and young adults. To end youth homelessness, communities must invest in this essential housing model and make beds available to more youth. To learn more about the effectiveness of this proven model and policy recommendations to it, visit this page.