JCHA partnered with the Appalachian Regional Coalition on Homelessness (ARCH) in 2013 to learn more about the homeless populations in our area. What resulted was Keystone Development Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization thorough which JCHA could directly address the plight of homeless youth and veterans.
Homes for Youth (H4Y), now operating as part of Keystone Development Inc., was created to help Johnson City youth, ages 18 through 25, who have no permanent residence and few resources. To locate the youth, who are often an invisible population, the JCHA networks with organizations (such as Holston Home, Youth Villages and Frontier Health) that work with children who have been placed under state custody and could become homeless after age 18. Once found, the young adults are given transitional housing and provided with case management through Youth Villages. A team of up to 12 mentors is provided to offer counseling and spiritual support and for teaching participants basic life skills. Each youth is asked to sign a contract outlining limitations and expectations.
H4Y partners with a number of entities to achieve its goals, including:
- Tennessee Department of Children Services
- Foster Care Review Board
- East Tennessee State University Department of Social Work
- Johnson City Housing Authority
- Homeless education coordinators at Johnson City Schools and Kingsport City Schools
- Northeast Unaccompanied Children and Youth
- Several local churches (provide mentors and basic items, such as household goods and furniture)
For more information for yourself, or someone in need, please call 423-232-4784 or use the form below:
Homes for Youth Information Request
