At YOS, we offer services to homeless youth aimed at boosting their safety, well-being, and self-reliance.
Did you know there are about 1,500 young people experiencing homelessness in Chicago at any given time? In Illinois, nearly 26,000 youth are homeless, and each year, 14,000 are reported as missing or runaways in Chicago. Many of these young individuals have been forced out of their homes or have run away due to abuse, neglect, or crises. They need a stable environment where they can thrive until they can be reunited with their families or live independently.
Despite facing these challenges, these young people exhibit remarkable resilience and determination. However, without support from their families, mentors, and communities, homeless and runaway youth encounter significant obstacles, including low academic achievement, imprisonment, substance abuse, exploitation, and gang involvement. Unfortunately, it often takes an average of six months for housing units to become available, causing many young people to lose touch with the system.
To address this need, YOS provides safe housing, encouragement, and the support youth require to succeed for up to 18 months. That’s why we are committed to helping these young people transition into housing more quickly, and we need your support to achieve this goal.
Who is Eligible?
- Youth between the ages 16-24 (must be at least 17.5 years old for the transitional living program)
- Youth must be non-wards of the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services.
- Serves youth and families throughout Cook County.
The Transitional Living Program (TLP)
The Transitional Living Program (TLP) is designed to support young adults aged 17.5 to 24 who are involved in the child welfare system and are working towards their high school diploma or GED. Participants are referred to YOS through the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). At TLP, our staff provides 24-hour supervision to ensure that each young person develops essential life skills needed to pursue higher education, establish a career, and successfully transition into adulthood.
The Transitional Living Program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families.
YOS Homeless Youth Program Managers actively engage with youth, providing support in various ways such as:
We are committed to remaining a helpful resource for young adults living on their own, providing ongoing support and answering their questions. Our program is dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of young adults, providing skills such as conflict resolution and anger management. Our support services are designed to inspire and motivate young adults by:
- Arranging for emergency/temporary housing for up to 4 months.
- Providing safe housing and care for up to 18 months.
- Outreach and case management.
- Offering life skills education, including nutrition, personal finance, and household maintenance.
- Supporting academic and career goals.
- Finding and accessing needed services such as medical care or counseling.
- Enrolling in educational or vocational training programs.
- Exploring employment options and job skills such as resume writing and interviewing.
- Budgeting and money management skills.
- Life skills such as cooking and household management.
- Identifying connections to community resources, such as support groups, schools, and churches.
- Reunifying with family members when possible.
- Successful transition to independence.
All YOS Homeless Youth Program Managers complete state licensing and training requirements, as well as participate in ongoing training to expand their ability to meet the needs of the youth they serve.
Youth Outreach Services accepts referrals from a variety of sources, including schools, community groups, individuals, and youth themselves
Contact Us!
For more information or to make a referral, contact the Homeless Youth Program Manager, Mario Hardiman, at YOS main number (773) 777-7112, the direct line (773) 205-4550, or send an email to marioh@yos.org. This number also serves as a 24-hour emergency line.