How It All Began
Founded in 2010 and located in the West Valley, Homeless Youth Connection (HYC) is a preventative measure to chronic homelessness. HYC serves to alleviate the problem of youth homelessness through the provision of basic needs while encouraging development, collaboration, self-sufficiency and education.
HYC has served more than 3,000 youth experiencing homelessness, and partners with more than 130 high schools in districts throughout Maricopa and Coconino Counties, including Agua Fria, Buckeye, Flagstaff, Glendale, Higley, Mesa, Peoria, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Saddle Mountain, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tolleson, West-MEC, IntelliSchools and Ombudsman.
A Path to Success
Homeless Youth Connection grew out of one individual’s concern for youth experiencing homelessness and the many obstacles they face in finding a path to a successful future.
In 2009, Larry Cervarich was overwhelmed when he read about the struggles homeless youth in the West Valley were facing every day just to stay in high school. Together with his Rotary and local church, Larry established HYC. Beginning with the goal of providing for their basic needs, the organization has grown and is now designed to help youth facing homelessness achieve a successful, self-sufficient future.
Today, HYC serves more than 700 youth per year in 130 high schools throughout Maricopa County and Flagstaff, Arizona. These partnerships ensure schools are better equipped to provide immediate services to youth who need assistance with basic needs, housing, counseling and case management. By allowing our schools to focus on these youth, HYC is able to take on the needs of the youth who are most vulnerable and most at risk of dropping out.
