Young adults living on Cape Cod and the Islands face housing and employment difficulties that previous generations could not fathom. The housing inventory and affordability crisis impact young adults greatly regarding the cost of rent and societal challenges like ageism, discrimination, and pre-judgement based on lack of established credit, or belief in stereotypes that young folks do not make good renters.

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The reality is that the young people of the Cape and Islands are brimming with potential but need extra community support and creative housing solutions. The Host Homes Program increases youth participation in finishing high school, pursuing higher education or vocational training, and securing employment.

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Host homes also help young people to build healthy relationships with others in the community, like the hosts involved within the program, and improves confidence and self-esteem which leads to increased positive participation in the wider society.

 

Case Managers follow a youth-led, individualized approach to help young adults pursue their goals and set them up for success. The Host Homes Program is a community housing solution. Through community building, we strive to foster growth in the future generation of leaders, thinkers, artists, first responders, business owners, and more on the Cape and Islands.

 

Young adults at the highest risk of homelessness include:

• Undocumented youth  

• Young people who identify as LGBTQ+  

• Young people of color

• Young adults leaving the foster care system  

• Youth who have experienced mental health issues, substance misuse issues, generational poverty, abuse, or neglect 

• Young adults who are pregnant or parenting