Iowa Homeless Youth Centers - Des Moines
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers works to eliminate homelessness among children, youth and young mothers in Polk County. We believe, with support and assistance, homeless individuals and families can live independently and attain self-sufficiency.
Description:
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers (IHYC) opened in 1985 and is a community based center program of Youth and Shelter Services Inc. IHYC provides outreach and support for older, non-system runaway and homeless youth living on the streets.
The Iowa Homeless Youth Centers provides programs for older runaway and homeless youth through a wide range of services including the Street Outreach vans, downtown Des Moines Youth Outreach Center, Reggie’s Place Coffee Shop, the Aftercare program for youth who have aged out of foster care, Transitional Living Programs, emergency shelter beds, and supportive services. Other supportive services, such as medical, mental health, transportation, child care, employment and nutrition services are accessed and provided through collaborative efforts with community partners and resources.
The Lighthouse Host Home provides shelter and transitional living services up to six homeless young women ages 16-25 who are pregnant or have children overcome barriers leading to opportunities for independent living. Young women may access services for up to 24 months.
The Buchanan Transitional Living Program serves up to eight homeless male and female youth ages 16-21 make the transition to self-sufficiency while working on their educational, vocational and personal living goals. Young people may access services for up to 18 months.
THe Street Outreach Program helps runaways and homeless youth leave the streets and enter local shelters or return home whenever possible. Youth receive information, referrals to local community resources, crisis counseling, food, clothing and connection to caring adults.
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers also works with youth ages 18-21 who have aged out of the foster care system through the statewide Aftercare Services Program led by Youth and Shelter Services. Direct services, support, and linkages to community resources are provided to assist youth to overcome barriers, graduate, and find stable employment to meet the challenges of living independently.
IHYC provides the Family Futures Program. Homeless families with children needing childcare are able to receive assistance with the help of the Child and Family Advocate. The Advocate helps families take advantage of short-term free childcare slots that are available in the community in collaboration with United Way of Central Iowa.
History:
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers is a community-based program of Youth and Shelter Services, Inc (YSS).
Together, we provide access to a broad range of youth and family services in central Iowa. Our services include substance abuse and delinquency prevention programs, shelter, residential treatment, transitional and independent living programs, outpatient and in-home counseling, employment services, family foster care and adoption.
IHYC also participates in a statewide network of agencies that provides services to homeless young people in Iowa.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (515) 266-8377
Address:
Web Site: http://www.iowahomelessyouth.org
Directions:
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From East High School at NE 14th and Buchanan, go one block west to 1219 Buchanan St. Cream colored house has wooden stairway in the front of a 3 story building - wooden sign says 1219 - on south side. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: 12th and Walker, 1 minute walk |
| Last updated on November 4, 2009 |
