Homeless Youth Initiative

During the 2008 - 2009 school year, approximately 100 youth in the Fairfax County Public School system were identified by their teachers and administrators as being either homeless or unaccompanied. The Homeless Youth Initiative is a two-prong approach to providing assistance to these young people, ages 16 - 21, who are working to complete their high school education by providing a shelter and host families for the youth to live with. Alternative House opened a shelter to house four females, ages 18 - 21, while they attend school and is actively working to match other male and female youth, ages 16 - 21, with host families who will provide them with a stable living environment while they complete high school.

All of the youth participating in this program receive not only housing and community support, but also case management services, individual therapy, life skills education, tutoring, and assistance with emergency food and supplies.