HYC offers a comprehensive services program that engages high school-aged youth who are experiencing homelessness. HYC assists them in overcoming barriers to completing high school, graduating and creating a plan for their future.

Who We Serve

HYC serves homeless youth, 13–21 years of age, who attend high school in Maricopa County and Coconino County, AZ.
Each youth is identified by their school as homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Youth are without a stable home and homeless through no fault or choice of their own.

Our Impact

Statistically speaking, more than 75% of homeless youth drop out of high school. Students who don’t earn a high school diploma are much more likely to experience poverty, chronic homelessness, unemployment, poor health, rely on social services, require welfare and face potential incarceration.

HYC is a program that provides preventative measures to assist youth experiencing homelessness with the tools and resources to achieve a successful and positive future.

Significant Statistics

Empowering Youth Program

Youth coaches work with youth to identify needs related to academics, health, housing, hygiene, employment and independent living skills. Youth then identify their strengths and goals, and partner with the youth coach to establish a plan. Together, youth coaches and youth focus on different areas of development including academics, employment, health and wellness, community involvement, life-skills and post-secondary plans. As each youth establishes their plan, youth coaches help develop action steps and a strategic plan to help them achieve their goals.

Housing

To address the housing needs of unaccompanied homeless youth, HYC offers a Host Family Program. The host family provides shelter, food and transportation for youth, while HYC delivers case management and comprehensive services. The primary impact of placing youth in a home setting allows the youth to build stronger relationships and interpersonal skills, experience stability in their home life, and learn positive life skills that will help them transition to independence.

“I really did not think I could go to a university institution—it just seemed so out of reach. That wouldn’t have been possible without HYC.”

—Balin, College Junior

“When my parents went to prison, I really didn’t believe that I would ever go beyond high school.”

—Dennis, College Freshman

“They gave me a home and a family. They showed so much love and support. Without them I wouldn’t have graduated.”

—Stephanie, College Senior

Schools & District Partners

Youth experiencing homelessness face numerous barriers to education, preventing them from completing high school or achieving post-secondary success. The latest Arizona Department of Education report identified that more than 7,400 homeless youth in grades 9-12 are living in Arizona, and more than 1,800 of these youth are unaccompanied. HYC is proud of its partnership with 13 school districts and two charter school districts to provide comprehensive services including case management, supplies for emergency resource closets and collaborative support to impact the lives of youth experiencing homelessness.

Sponsors & Corporate Partners

HYC is fortunate to receive grant support from foundations, corporations and municipalities who recognize providing comprehensive resources and housing options to youth experiencing homelessness is a critical preventative measure in reducing chronic homelessness in our community. Our grant funders share our interest and effectively impact HYC’s services to support our mission. They provide additional resources and partnership to help youth finish their education, graduate and set a path for a successful future.