Executive Summary

The Community Assessment and Youth Initiative Projects sponsored by the United Way of Windham County recognized housing for young people as a community need. In order to develop solutions that are appropriate for the community, this feasibility study sought to quantify and qualify the need; explore viable models; make program recommendations and assess the feasibility of developing and sustaining a youth housing program.

Hard data regarding the number of young people in and around Brattleboro who need housing and/or the reasons why they have left home is difficult to obtain. Anecdotal data, which probably provides the best indicator of demand, suggest the need for 25-30 beds for youth who are runaways, homeless and/or leaving state custody and an additional 4-6 “halfway” beds for young men leaving the custody of the Department of Corrections. Key attributes for housing designed to meet the needs of youth include affordability; a location that is within walking distance (or access to public transportation services) of schools, jobs, shopping and services; and with others of a similar age and circumstances.

Currently, the region has a number of programs and some housing that support youth in transition. These services are inextricably linked. Descriptions of these services begin on page 12. The major deficiencies in the region are a lack of emergency shelter, halfway houses for youthful offenders and substance abusers and transitional housing that is specifically focused on the needs of youth.

Successful models of youth housing do exist in other regions of the state and similar communities. These models feature a diversity of operators, housing types, service approaches and funding sources. They included shelters, a residential treatment facility, group homes, single-room occupancy and supervised apartments. The housing is typically a) owned & operated by organizations serving youth; b) owned & operated by organizations providing services for pregnant girls/young mothers; c) owned by a housing organization or private landlord and operated by an organization serving youth or d) a blend of the above. Details of the configuration, operation and funding of these models are presented beginning on page 17.

In order to provide youth in the region with safe and affordable housing and support services that can be sustained and supported by the community, this report recommends the development of an enhanced transitional housing program. This would include the development of a youth single-room occupancy project and/or additional supervised apartments combined with the provision of support services and the development of an accommodation between the housing owner and Youth Services that allows the project to house those youth under 18 who are in need but unable to secure parental approval. This recommendation is based on the understanding that halfway house services are being implemented at Middle House in Bellows Falls and under consideration for expansion to Brattleboro.

In order to serve 10 to 13 youth per year, an annual subsidy will be required in an amount estimated at $20,000-30,000. Funding for this subsidy could come from redirecting existing resources and staffing or soliciting additional funds. However, it is highly improbable that this program would be able to receive any additional federal funds for its support.