WHAT
WE DO

A4C believes in being active in all aspects of life and promotes a varied array of projects, programs and initiatives geared toward youth throughout 20 counties in Western Pennsylvania.

OUR CoC YOUTH SUCCESS MAP

Advocates 4 Change works throughout the Western and Eastern PA CoC regions to map how youth access services. You can view the system map below. We recognized that navigating the system was difficult, not client-centered, nor set up for youth to succeed. Instead, youth felt like the odds of success were up to chance. Together the members of A4C created a map of how we wanted the system to work, with the four steps outlined below.

1

IDENTIFICATION

Youth entering the system may identify with one or more of the following sub-population groups:

Undocumented
LGBTQIA
Runaway
Survivor of human trafficking/ sexual and/or physical abuse
System involvement- foster care, criminal justice system, juvenile justice history
Mental, behavioral, and/or health issues
Parenting/ pregnant

Youth may call 211 or go to CoC General or DV Assessment Center in their county

2

ASSESSMENT, PRIORITIZATION & REFERRAL

Diversion/screening for prevention services for youth who are at risk of homelessness. Literally homeless youth.

Standardized assessment tool used for Coordinated Entry:

Unaccompanied youth under 25 years old /TAY-VI-SPDAT / Family VI-SPDAT
Referral to crisis housing if needed
Eligibility for housing programs

*Under 18: only host homes currently

**Youth system Navigator **Youth-specific Diversion

3

PERMANENCY THROUGH ACCESS TO HOUSING INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTIVE CARE

Housing (CoC, ESG, RHY and other funding sources)
Non-Permanent Housing

Transitional Housing (18 years and older)
Host Homes (16-20 years of age)

**Youth-specific transitional housing programs

Permanent Housing

Youth-specific RRH • RRH • PSH • Other Permanent Housing

*Youth specific non-time-limited supportive housing **Youth-specific TH-RRH
**Youth-specific Rapid Exits/short-term RRH

Programs

Health: physical, mental and/or behavioral health providers & treatments, etc

Economic Security: workforce development, connection to benefits, job training, apprenticeships, etc.

Education: high school, GED programs, college, after-school programs
Well-being and community supports: LGBTQ-centered services, services for survivors, family strengthening and kinship-building programs, and youth-focused services

4

SYSTEM EVALUATION, IMPROVEMENT & INNOVATION

Stakeholders evaluating youth systems

Advocates 4 Change (YAB)

• Youth Committee (includes YAB member)
• CoC Board (includes YAB members)
• Systems Performance Committee

Ongoing evaluation of the system and programs

Use CQI framework to assess whether youth needs are being met through system and programs, including youth of color and LGBTQ youth
Promote programs that work, bring to scale
Identify gaps and how to fill them
Monitor system/project performance

Youth Homelessness is NOT a Game

A4C and the CoC believe that everyone deserves a home that is safe, affordable, & stable. We envision a youth homelessness response and housing stability system that is:

Youth - driven
Built on a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Rooted in community
Viewed through a trauma-informed lens
Easily accessible by Youth and Young Adults (YYA)

WHAT WE DO