What We Do
NYEP initially opened it’s doors to provide programming to meet the needs of the homeless teen population. We recognized that there were no standardized, measurable independent living curriculums designed to teach comprehensive life skills, motivate task completion, redirect undesirable behaviors, record task completion, and report weekly progress. We began working on our “CLP” model program in 2007 – designing programming, implementing, and evaluating it, using the residents at NYEP’s Community Living Program, as well as learning from our practical experiences with the young people we work with to produce performance based programming.
Currently, NYEP operates a supportive transitional housing program for transition aged female youth. This is our Community Living Program. The CLP is unique, and the daily programming is specific to developing older teens to self sufficiency. The CLP facilitates an independent living curriculum that is driven by a Token Economy System, co-created by Dr. H. Robert Quilitch, Ph.D.
The model includes safe housing, food, clothing, life skills training and daily interaction with trusted positive adults. Upon entrance to the CLP, teens are typically homeless, lack their high school diploma, are unemployed and lack an income, are not involved with their community in a meaningful way, and do not posses the skills necessary to influence these factors. The housing program is designed to replicate “real life”. Teen residents sign a lease and commit to the Community Living Program (CLP) which is intended to move them to stability and self sufficiency. We know our housing approach limits opportunities for community collaboration, compared to other programs, and goes against the traditional case management first approach, but we know it works!
But, providing 6 beds is not enough in the whole scheme of things. NYEP is also a community leader for social change concerning the services and service delivery for homeless youth. We know that a housing first approach is key to truly be effective in stabilizing shelter-less youth, identifying their needs, and addressing them effectively. Because homeless youth have different needs than homeless adults, they should not be placed in the same shelters or housing programs. It’s dangerous for them. And, some youth need different levels of skill building and monitoring/supervision. Many youth also need comprehensive skills building. Not just surface learning, but understanding the why about things, so they can figure it out on their own later on. A youth’s willingness and ability is necessary to ensure a successful outcome in any programming which is why NYEP only works with willing youth.
We have also found that relationship is the linchpin in a youth being receptive to learning, redirection, supportive confrontation, and overall guidance. They need professional staff working with them. People who do what they say, and say what they mean (people who provide little to no reason to be disrespected). Staff should be willing to do what it takes…just like they would with their own children.
Youth also need someone they can talk to, each day, that they know cares, and I mean really cares. This is permanency, having someone in your life no matter if you are part of any system, regardless that there is no check for your care. Youth also need to be connected to the larger community We do this through volunteer service – so they can learn about poverty/homelessness, so they can avoid it in the long term. Volunteering broadens their world. We have seen proof of this by watching how volunteer service has benefited our housing residents.
Lastly, they need their own shelter where they can shower, eat, store items, use an address/phone number, learn about accessing services, and avoid the “homeless mainstream”. Youth also need free and affordable housing, so they can have a regular place to sleep, stabilize themselves, and begin to build their lives, including completing college.
It is because of these unmet needs that NYEP convened the New HYTS Leadership Group in June of 2011, and coordinated the first Homeless Youth Point in Time Count in January 2012. Upon completion of the New HYTS project, this June, the leadership group will become the Reno Area Alliance for the Homeless – Youth Subcommittee. NYEP hopes to see an increase in housing options and services for older youth to provide a path for success that is not currently available for them in our community. We will also continue to participate, as needed, in community leadership concerning development of programming or services concerning older youth.