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This independent living program provides residential services in an apartment setting for runaway and homeless male and female youth between the ages of 18 – 24. The goal of the program is that residents are able to transition to independent living. In addition to the residential services, participants receive case management, mental health services, life skills, employment and educational counseling and access to recreational and educational activities.

Program Overview

According to the report “Homelessness: Programs and People They Serve” by the Interagency Council on the Homeless (1999), homeless youth are more likely to become homeless adults than youth who do not experience homelessness. The Extended Housing Program (EHP) was created to ensure that homeless youth in Washington DC have access to the resources they need to become independent adults and never experience homelessness again. We offer comprehensive services to help youth overcome all the barriers they face towards becoming independent. The EHP builds upon skills the youth has already gained and is a final step on his/her journey to self-sufficiency.

Mission Statement

The EHP provides runaway and homeless male and female youth, ages 18 to 24, with the full range of supportive residential services they require to become healthy, successful, independent and contributing members of our community.

Vision Statement

Runaway and homeless youth in Washington, DC will have access to a safe and stable living environment in which they are assisted in developing the life skills and personal resources necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.

The EHP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, country of origin, immigration status, gender identity or sexual preference: all youth are welcome!

Services offered

The Latin American Youth Center will provide the following services to EHP participants:

• Placement for up to 6 months in supervised apartments;
• Intense, comprehensive and culturally competent Case Management services;
• Individual counseling;
• Life Skills training;
• Food/Clothing assistance;
• Career/Vocational counseling;
• Transportation assistance;
• Referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment services;
• Access to other LAYC programs.

Conditions for Admission

• Must be a homeless male or female between the ages of 18-24;
• Must be drug and alcohol free, or be participating in a substance abuse treatment program;
• Cannot present danger to self or others;
• Must be able to comply with the objectives given at the beginning of the program;
• Must be able to comply with rules and regulations of the program;
• Must be willing to work at least part-time.

Admission Procedure

• All referrals are directed to the Extended Housing Program. However, direct contact with the candidate is required in order to be considered for admission.
• The EHP admission process involves a series of three interviews.  Interviews are conducted by the EHP staff members to determine the suitability of a prospective candidate to the program.
• Entry into the program is decided by the EHP admissions committee.
• The first month of the program is intended as an observation for candidates in the program and is probationary.  Once the participant has completed the requirements of the Evaluation Phase, a recommendation for full admission will be made by the EHP staff.

Contact Information

Please call Laura Bowman Pimentel or Susan Ruether at (202) 797-3908 for details.