Urban League of Rhode Island to Receive $200,000 to Help Homeless Youth
WASHINGTON, DC – In an effort to provide homeless adolescents with an alternative to living on the street, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the Urban League of Rhode Island will receive $200,000 to continue its Transitional Living Program. The program is available to 18-21 year olds who are homeless and in need of temporary shelter for up to 18 months. This comprehensive program offers homeless youth food, housing, adult supervision, and access to education, healthcare, and social services. This federal funding will help the program continue for another five years and provide services to sixty young adults in need of assistance.
“Many homeless youngsters are victims of violence and abuse who have no choice but to stay on the streets. Without access to basic necessities, and an understanding of how to take care of themselves, it is almost impossible for these young adults to change course. The Urban League of Rhode Island’s Transitional Living Program provides our homeless adolescents with the resources and care to help them overcome the odds,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee, which oversees federal spending for the Department of Health and Human Services programs. “This federal grant will allow the Urban League to continue providing Rhode Island’s homeless young adults with a safe haven, supportive environment, and life-skills training.”
The Transitional Living Program provides housing in either a four-bedroom home that accommodates 8 youth in South Providence or in one of the Urban League’s 6 trained Host Homes. All program participants are required to be engaged in full time employment or in an educational program.
“Our work with runaway and homeless youth provides a safe place for them to escape from the streets where they are often victims of sexual assault, violence, involvement with prostitution and substance abuse, and confrontations with law enforcement. The Transitional Living Program allows the Urban League to reunite youth with their families when appropriate; work to finish their education; transition to independent living; and live free from the pernicious elements of the streets,” said Dennis B. Langley, President and CEO of Urban League Rhode Island.
The Urban League of Rhode Island seeks to enable minorities and the poor demonstrate their full potential and to exercise their human rights as American citizens through advocacy and programs such as housing for transitional living.
