WHY WE DO IT
About one in five former foster care youth were homeless for one or more nights within a year after leaving foster care.
WHAT IF WE COULD PROVIDE A DIFFERENT OUTCOME?
FACT: 56% OF 18-24 YEAR OLDS LIVE in THEIR PARENTS'HOME
FACT: 85% OF COLLEGE GRADS MOVE HOME
In the United States, sixty-five percent of youth leaving foster care need immediate housing. The Midwest Study of the University of Chicago has tracked hundreds of foster alumni since 2003. A recent report from the Midwest Study revealed the status of 25 and 26 year old young adults who had been in foster care as teens. The report revealed that 31% had been homeless or couch surfed. Particularly troubling was the repeated episodes of homelessness. 20% had no high school diploma or GED. Only 8% had a post-secondary two or four year degree. 12% of the males were incarcerated.
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What if we could provide a different outcome?
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Our House takes an optimistic and assertive position. We are confident that our community has the interest, focus, and resources to support youth in their transition from foster care.
Even with concerned parents and a strong support system, not all young adults are completely prepared for an independent life at the age of 18…or even at 21. So imagine the hardships that young adults in the foster care system face as they try to prepare themselves for a normal, productive life. They typically have no one to cheer them on when things get tough, no one to help them fill out college applications, no one to give them advice on how to interview for a job or talk to a coworker, no one to show them how to shop for groceries or do laundry. Financial support from the state abruptly ends at the age of 21, whether they are prepared or not. It’s a sink or swim situation, and unfortunately, too many sink.