Foundation Grant to Support Rent Stipends for Homeless Youths

January 10, 2024 – Sarasota

A grant of $25,000 from Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) to Safe Children Coalition (SCC) has been approved – from the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Initiative – for Schoolhouse Link unaccompanied or homeless youth room and apartment rental subsidies. 

For homeless families or displaced teens who are on their own, Safe Children Coalition’s Schoolhouse Link program serves as protector, support system and advocate. Schoolhouse Link is contracted by the Sarasota County School Board, serving as the school district’s “homeless liaison.”

The purpose of the youth room and apartment rental subsidies is to improve student safety and stability for homeless young adults ages 18-25 – who have no family support system – while promoting their continued connection to education. These young individuals need to have been identified as homeless and on their own at the time of connection to SCC’s services. They can receive the housing stipend for up to two years. This assistance has allowed youth to complete high school, begin post-secondary education, or perhaps earn an advanced certification.

Youths select their housing and pay a portion of rent, all the utilities, and other living expenses. The program pays a portion of the rent each month to help make the housing more affordable. The youths are required to work and continue their education; they also work with a REACH (Reconnecting Employment and Academics in Community Housing) program coordinator and youth education advocate to receive crucial support in their journey to independence and stability.

“We refer to the program as a ‘launching pad’ – not a parking lot – because it helps youths to successfully transition to the next phase in their lives,” said Schoolhouse Link program director Ellen McLaughlin. “The young adults we serve don’t have the benefit of financial support or counsel from their families and are at a serious disadvantage at a critical time of their lives. We are grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for helping us to provide a holistic support system so that these young people have a shot at successful adult lives.”

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation is honored to support the vital work that Schoolhouse Link does for young adults, and we know the importance of maintaining this strong program. In the past, we have taken a leadership role in addressing youth homelessness and we understand the critical need for a pathway to independence and purpose. We envision thriving communities with opportunities for all,” said Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. “Thanks to organizations like Safe Children Coalition and its Schoolhouse Link program, young adults will be given a launching pad to transition into their next journey that they deserve.” 

There are many different scenarios for youths who do not have a stable home, including older teens or young adults who are fending for themselves on the streets. At present, there are several youths in independent housing and room rentals receiving rent subsidies through the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Initiative.

For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.