It is estimated that there are 400+ homeless and at-risk young adults ages 18-24 in Sarasota County alone. This population is underrepresented and largely unidentified, however, if we can engage young people now, we can prevent them from experiencing the ongoing traumas of homelessness.
New Heights is the premier long-term transitional living program for young adults. Instead of paying for rent, utilities, and services, clients are expedited to make timely payments to an escrow account in their name an investment in their own future.
One of the biggest barriers for homeless and at-risk youth is a lack of financial resources, therefore, services for New Heights participants are completely free including living space, utilities, and access to the Harvest Food Pantry. One of the first activities the Case Manager will do with clients is to help them to create and maintain a monthly budget. Instead of paying rent, participants are expected to pay into an escrow account on the first of each month to simulate the practice of rent paying. The amount is determined by their budget; for some, it is $50 and others, up to $500. Upon exiting the program, clients leave with money saved and with the budgeting skills to maintain stability.
Once a month, New Heights participants are taken on outings in the community with a Harvest House staff member and a volunteer chaperone. These outings promote camaraderie, appreciation for the arts and culture, and offer exposure to experiences that are often limited to youth with certain privileges. For example, we’ve seen a show at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, taken salsa lessons at Fred Astaire, did a scavenger hunt at Selby Botanical Gardens, gone kayaking at Mote Marine, and so much more.
Homeless and at-risk youth, ages 18-24, come from a history of insufficient support systems, various types of abuse, episodes in and out of the foster care system, parents with addiction, and homelessness as children. As children age out these situations, they are often expected to become a productive member of society on their own. However, extreme privilege gaps make them vulnerable to a cycle of poverty and homelessness.
941-953-3154
info@harvesthousecenters.com
Mailing Address:
3650 17th Street
Sarasota, FL 34235
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Please note, submitting an application for an NSP Affordable Rental does not guarantee housing. Units do not become available very often, so Harvest House will hold your application for 6 months in case a unit becomes available. The NSP program has strict gross income limits that are determined by HUD. Please see the chart below to ensure that your household meets the income requirements. Questions? Please contact housing@harvesttab.com.
Submitting an application does not guarantee housing. Our goal is to serve as many families as possible, but due to limitations, we select those with the highest acuity of need first. We hold applications for 6 months in case an opening fits the needs of each applicant over that time period.
Home Again is a housing program that helps families prepare for long-term housing stability. The best fit for the program is families that have many challenges to housing but are willing to engage with the program to improve their housing situation. Families must be willing to set goals, meet regularly with a case manager, attend life skills classes, and participate in individual housing stability plans.
