How Transitional Living Programs Help the Community
The transitional living programs help young people between the ages of 18-22 and offer them housing assistance, skills training, counseling, educational and career support. The programs help them learn the essential skills to achieve their goals and become independent and responsible members that positively contribute to the community.
What is Unstable Housing?
The first thought that might come to mind when you think about unstable housing is living on the streets without a roof on your head. But this is not always the case. Unstable housing among young people can involve obstacles like moving frequently, having challenges paying rent or most of their income going to housing.
With that said, unstable housing does not necessarily mean homelessness, but could look like:
- Living on the streets
- Living out of their car
- Staying with friends
- Couch surfing, where they move from one house to another
While some of these young people may look secure, they may need housing, food, education, and employment. And this is where transitional living programs step in to help them get back on track and achieve their full potential.
What Does a Transitional Living Program Do?
A transitional living program helps youth facing unstable housing to find a safe environment to improve their lives through educational opportunities, interpersonal skills, job search, and attainment by meeting their mental and physical needs. They also learn essential life skills such as preventive health, general nutrition, setting goals, financial management, and dealing with adversity and conflicts.
How Does the Transitional Living Program Benefit the Community?
Unstable housing puts young people at risk of being taken advantage of and potentially breaking the law. A transitional living program helps them pursue their goals in a safe environment and become members of the community.
What Does WFC’s Robyn’s House and WYSH House Do?
WFC’s Robyn’s House and WYSH House are committed to providing services that empower youths between 18 and 22 to make choices that are best for them regarding their well-being, future selves, and safety. They provide housing intervention programs for young adults that educate the community regarding unstable housing. They also offer long-standing positive outcomes and guiding and counseling services provided by the case managers.
The main goal of WFC’s Robyn’s House and WYSH House is to ensure individuals access the help they need, such as
- Mental health services
- Counseling
- Longer term housing options
- Transitional housing for young adults
- Housing resources
- Employment assistance
- Information on volunteer opportunities
- Resources for outside support
Transitional living programs can help young adults that are unstably housed improve their lives and interpersonal relationships by providing them shelter and educational opportunities. They can also assist them in preparing for and even securing employment and ensuring their mental and physical health needs are met.
