The Homeless Youth Program (HYP) is funded through the Michigan Department of Human Services and The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and assists older teens and young adults that are at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless. Any one can refer a youth to this program. There are a number of different services:
Case Management
Eligible youth, ages 16-24, are assigned a case manager with whom they work to develop both short and long term goals in areas of life including stable living arrangements, education and employment, physical and mental health, decision making and coping skills, family involvement, and the ability to access community resources. The case manager works with the youth to achieve theses goals by utilizing an individualized independent life skills curriculum, providing referrals and advocacy for each of the set goals.
Counseling
Counseling services work to foster positive youth development and prepare youth to improve functioning in all areas of their lives. Through counseling, a youth will develop goals that address stress reduction and improvement in all life areas: education/employment, social, community, peer relationships and family relationships. Family counseling is also available to help improve family relationships that may result in improved communication or possibly family reunification.
Group Services
For those clients who participate in the HYP, group services will be held to learn from one another about what is working and what is not in their individual programs towards self-sufficiency. Group therapy helps youth gain competence and confidence in many areas while exploring barriers to their success (such as family conflict, problems with peers, etc.). Group sessions also give youth an opportunity to develop policy and programming related to their understanding of youth and homeless issues.
