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Overview:  The mission of the Homeless Youth Outreach (HYO) Program is to stabilize youth who are homeless or at risk of being homeless, establish trust and act as a resource linking youth with community services.  We advocate and assist youth in building opportunities for a better tomorrow.  HYO provides community support services to youth ages 16-24 years old who are lacking adult supervision and/or a permanent/legal residency.  The HYO Program provides important services by improving the general quality of life for youth.  It helps youth meet their survival needs and offer a social support network.  The services offered are crucial in assisting youth access a preventative safety net of medical care, meals, housing, and a safe place from street life.

Who Can the HYO Program Help? The program serves the needs of youth and young adults who are:

• Runaway, locked-out or kicked-out;
• Sleeping on the street or in an emergency shelter;
• Living alone and facing eviction;
• At risk of running away, being locked out or being kicked out and/or;
• Court adjudicated cases.

Who is Eligible for Services?  To be eligible for services, youth must:

• Agree to take part in services offered and develop goals with the HYO Coordinator;
• Be identified in or have a family that resides in Oxford or Northern Cumberland County and;
• Allow HYO to obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian if under 18 years of age (except in emergencies).

How Can the HYO Program Help?  The HYO Program offers advocacy, education, and support services including:

• Assistance in finding housing or securing emergency shelter;
• Family conflict resolution and medication;
• Intensive, goal directed case management;
• Independent living skills development;
• Outreach and referrals to other community supports and/or;
• Parenting support and education.
• Assistance in obtaining basis necessities such as clothing and food resources

Goals:  The basic goal of the HYO Program is to prevent more serious problems in the future and reduce homelessness through coordination of services.  Whenever possible, youth will be assisted in remaining in their family environment; families will be given the support needed to remain intact.  Early intervention, including family reunification, alternative housing, and educational assistance is emphasized.  Program quality is closely monitored and assessed on the basis of client outcomes.  Individuals are involved in evaluating their own level of satisfaction with the program’s services and in recommending changes in the program/services.  The goals of the HYO Program include:

• Assistance in finding stable, safe living arrangements
• Family reunification and mediation if possible
• Maintain/encourage school attendance

• Connection with resources to provide health care, on-going counseling, nutrition, job training/opportunities, or other resources for which the youth may be eligible.

Referrals: Referrals come from other social service agencies, schools, medical staff, police departments, parents, civic and/or religious organizations, concerned citizens and self-referrals.  To make a referral please call 369-9439 or 743-6702.