One80 Place is launching a new training program designed to help organizations better identify and serve young people experiencing homelessness.
The Capacity Building Initiative is built from conversations with the nonprofit’s youth action board — a group of 18- to 24-year-olds who are currently or formerly homeless. Members meet regularly to share their lived experiences, challenges and ideas for solutions.
First Cohort of Community Partners
The first group of participating organizations includes:
- Charleston County Public Library
- The Formation Project
- Young Moms Together
Each organization is sending three representatives: a current leader, an emerging leader and a board member.
The program runs for 10 sessions from late February through May and was created in partnership with 1000 Feathers and the Weathers Group.
Identifying Hidden Youth Homelessness
One80 Place leaders say many homeless youth do not fit common stereotypes and can easily go unnoticed.
“They’re not what you would envision as the stereotypical homeless person,” said Stacey Denaux, CEO of One80 Place. “These organizations participating in this institute are often the front door for these youth who are experiencing homelessness. So, we have to find them where they are, but we also need those youth to know they have places that they can go that are going to help address their homelessness.”
The initiative trains organizations to recognize warning signs and respond more effectively when young people seek help.
Youth-Driven Accountability
Shameka Conyers, youth programs director at One80 Place, said the initiative centers on accountability and improving how services are delivered.
“This whole institute is derived from the idea that we need to do better with serving our young people in the community,” Conyers said. “It isn’t just connecting the dots, but looking at the things that we’re forgetting and not remembering when it comes to working with our young people, and holding ourselves accountable in that process.”
The goal is to connect homeless youth with stable housing within 30 days. Success will be measured by tracking changes in participating organizations’ practices and whether more young people are connected to housing and support more quickly.
Denaux said the organization has learned that youth themselves often provide the most effective solutions.
“The biggest lesson we’ve learned over the last several years is the youth who are experiencing homelessness have the best solutions for themselves,” she said.
Expanding Across the Lowcountry
The youth action board will continue meeting and providing feedback to shape how organizations across the Lowcountry serve homeless youth.
One80 Place has already planned two additional cohorts and will refine the program based on feedback from the first round.
Leaders hope the initiative will strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for vulnerable youth throughout the region.
