Supportive Housing
Ending the experience of houselessness for young adults through affordable housing, mental health and wellness services, and life-skills development.
We are using research-based services to bring hope to the lives of transitional-aged youth (18–24) who are facing the most extreme of circumstances, such as houselessness and other risk factors including trauma, exploitation, and challenges related to mental health and substance use.
Permanent Supportive Housing is an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) that pairs affordable housing with support services and addresses chronic houselessness and instability of those living on the street and who are most vulnerable and experience worse health outcomes, including a higher risk of death.
While there is a significant body of research around the effectiveness of supportive housing nationally, there is no current research demonstrating the effectiveness with the transition-aged youth population. VOA Alaska is using supportive housing as a critical piece of the overall strategy to end youth houselessness in our state as part of a HUD demonstration project.
Having someone in my corner, even when I didn't think I deserved that, meant so much.
You showed me that I was worth it. I couldn't have found the strength by myself.
VOA Alaska's Supportive Housing program is the first youth-focused permanent supportive housing in Alaska.
Supportive Housing connects clients with benefits, community resources, employment, education counseling, and life-skills classes to promote independence. Additionally, clinicians help clients address mental health and substance use concerns in support of healthy recovery and sustained housing.
This program represents hope. Hope that with timely intervention, these young adults who are struggling with mental health and addiction can effectively exit houselessness and live healthier, more productive lives.
Topanga’s Support Team at VOA Reminds Her of the “Good Days”
When am I going to eat? When can I take a shower? When can I get my clothes cleaned? These are the questions Topanga once asked herself every day for two years.
After transitioning between camps, cars, couches, and Covenant House, Topanga is celebrating more than a year now in her own one-bedroom apartment.
