Spotlight on the Compass Housing Program
One in every five youth who age out of the foster care system becomes immediately homeless on their 18th birthday. Without a permanent connection, they are left with nowhere to go, and often without the skills needed to find housing or employment.
At Boys & Girls Aid, our work doesn’t end when youth age out of foster care. Our Housing Services department offers several programs to help youth and young adults facing housing instability or homelessness find a safe place to live.
Compass
One of these housing programs, Compass, is a transitional living program designed specifically to work with young people who have aged out of foster care. Compass serves clients aged 18-24 who have current DHS involvement. The program, which lasts for two years or until the client turns 24, provides clients with a furnished apartment for a low monthly fee.
Due to their experiences in foster care, these clients need support and a safety net that can’t be found in mainstream housing. The first way we do that is by not evicting clients for missing fee payments.
“Having that stability, especially at that age and with the trauma that they’ve all experienced in one way or another, can be really helpful,” said Jen Knutson, Housing Navigator.
The second way is by working with clients to reach self-identified goals. For example, clients may need help learning how to keep their apartment clean, learning how to buy groceries on a budget, getting a driver's license or car insurance, or learning social skills. Each month, we also offer skill building classes with subject matter experts from the community on topics like employee rights or legal aid.
Boys & Girls Aid offers these wraparound services so that when clients leave the program, they are prepared to live independently.
“Ultimately, we’re there to provide them support in tough times and be there for them if they make a mistake that may not be acceptable in more mainstream apartments. It’s an opportunity that I think a lot of young adults would benefit from,” Knutson said.
After exiting the Compass program, clients work with DHS or another one of our Housing Services programs to find their next home. Some clients are ready to go out on their own and find housing without assistance.
Jen Knudson, Housing Navigator, has worked in the Compass program since its inception in 2017.
You Can Help
A Welcome Home Basket that was made for one of our recent clients.
Clients in our Housing Services programs usually have never had their own place before. Because of that, they often come to us with no supplies needed to live on their own.
You can help by donating household items like cleaning supplies, plungers, towels, dishes, utensils, laundry supplies, personal hygiene items, and more. Visit our Amazon Wish List to donate. These supplies are used to provide every new housing client with their own Welcome Home Basket customized to their needs.
In addition, our Housing Services office has a food pantry, which is open to all clients. Donations of non-perishable foods are always welcome.
To learn more or to apply for a program, visit our Housing Services page.