The Homeless Youth Grant, funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, aims to enhance the safety of youth by addressing their basic survival needs and providing stable housing. This program is designed to increase the self-sufficiency of homeless youth aged 14 to 23 who lack independent living skills or cannot return home. Its core mission aligns with the foundation's goal of fostering independence and well-being among vulnerable youth, by ensuring immediate safety and facilitating a transition to self-sufficient living.
The target beneficiaries are homeless youth between 14 and 23 years of age. The program's impact goals are to provide safe and stable housing, educational and employment services, and essential life skills. The program prioritizes meeting immediate safety and survival needs, including food, clothing, and shelter, while also offering comprehensive support services. Expected outcomes include increased self-sufficiency, improved living situations, and successful integration into independent adult life.
The grant focuses on three required program components: Outreach/Case Management (OR/CM), Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing (ES/IH), and Transitional Living (TL). Outreach programs identify homeless youth and provide immediate assistance and case management. Emergency Shelter/Interim Housing offers temporary 24-hour housing and services for up to 120 days, aiming for family reunification or transition to self-sufficiency. Transitional Living programs provide housing and services for up to 24 months, with a strong emphasis on achieving self-sufficient living or family reunification.
The program's strategic priorities are to provide a holistic approach to addressing youth homelessness, moving beyond immediate relief to long-term stability. The theory of change posits that by providing comprehensive support—from basic needs and housing to education, employment, and life skills—homeless youth can develop the necessary tools to break the cycle of homelessness and become independent. Measurable results are expected through successful transitions to stable housing, improved educational and employment outcomes, and the development of self-sufficiency.
Funding for this program includes an estimated total program funding amount of $12 million, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $800,000. The grant period is from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Eligible applicants include public and private nonprofit community-based organizations (501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4)), units of local government, public schools, districts, and Regional Offices of Education. Applicants must propose programming that includes all three required components and meet state registration pre-qualification requirements.
