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 About
For the past several years, Broadway, Inc. has worked to expand its residential program for foster youth by developing a Transitional Living Program to help improve the outcomes of youth leaving the foster care system and at-risk youth in general. There is a plethora of research that concludes foster children and other youth without proper support and guidance have numerous community, social, and personal barriers that hinder success. In 2010, Broadway, Inc. became aware of the growing problem in our community of numerous adolescents pursuing their high school education without a place to call home or adequate adult support and supervision. This need prompted the expansion of our existing efforts from creating transitional housing for youth to offering homeless youth (16 to 22 years of age) a comprehensive array of services through HOYST (Homeless Outreach for Youth in St. Tammany).
HOYST plans to initially open two transitional housing cottages (accommodating up to six homeless youth between 16-22 years of age at a time). These individuals will not only have a safe, supportive home environment, but also access to on-site resources to include our Amethyst Education Center containing a library, computer lab, and art room; cafeteria; clothing boutique; outdoor chapel; and recreation areas (basketball/volleyball court, soccer field, pavilion, fishing pond, swimming pool, miniature horses, etc.). While long-term planning, funding, and resources are being secured to open shelter facilities to accommodate dozens of youth on site, those identified as homeless living in the community can also benefit from access to community partnerships and resources. This will include mentors, tutoring, assessment of needs, and other services from individuals, agencies, and business who partner with HOYST.
Philosophy
With regards our youth, we believe that every young adult has the promise and potential to become successful and positively impact others. We strive to end homelessness one youth at a time.
Mission
The mission of HOYST (Homeless Outreach for Youth in St. Tammany) is to decrease homelessness among youth in our community by providing shelter and transitional housing as well as supportive services that will lead to self-sufficiency and stable living conditions.
Vision
- Foster public awareness of homelessness in the community
- Offer a safe and nurturing environment to encourage personal growth and positive change
- Provide guidance for academic and educational growth
- Provide guidance for career and vocational development
- Develop skills to achieve independence
- Increase overall employability
- Increase long-term housing stability
- Facilitate access to community resources
- Build and strengthen relationships to develop a healthy support system
- End homelessness one youth at a time
Homeless Youth
According to a national study conducted by the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program, nearly 940,000 homeless students were identified in schools nationwide with Louisiana ranking the seventh highest state with more than 25,000 homeless youth (2009-2010). St. Tammany Parish (reported by Kids in Transition) consisted of over 1,500 students identified as homeless, many of whom were high school students without parental support (2010-2011). It begs the question how many youth are also homeless that were not counted as students (ages 16-22) because they earned an alternative credential (G.E.D.) or dropped out of school?
Links
Click Here to read the latest issue of North Shore Report or
click on the image below to download a PDF of the featured article, Invisible Youth.
How to Help?
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