From:                                         Tyler Schueffner [Tyler.Schueffner@youthsos.org]

Sent:                                           Wednesday, April 04, 2012 10:32 AM

To:                                               Cdbg

Subject:                                     Community Development Committee

 

I wanted to express some thoughts with the committee.  I like the idea being proposed by the Take Back the Land/Operation Welcome Home group, The need for SRO’s is massive in our community.   That said we also need to address the issue of youth homelessness and age appropriate services and resources.  Youth Services of Southern Wisconsin Inc. has committed itself to opening a youth shelter within 2 years.  Our current model for housing unaccompanied youth and young adults is grossly inadequate.  Recently myself and Kate Weiss of Commonwealth Development, have been meeting to discuss the need and to plan and develop a (collaborative) Transitional Housing Program targeting 18 – 24 year olds.  Having worked as an outreach worker and case worker for 6 years, the biggest issue I have identified is accessible housing for this age group, in particular youth coming out of the Foster Care system and Juvenile Justice system.  To tackle the issue of homelessness without acknowledging the need for age appropriate and specific housing resources is to miss an opportunity for truly preventative services.

 

Please contact me with questions and/or comments.

 

Thank you,

Tyler Schueffner

Street Outreach Specialist

Briarpatch, Street Outreach Program

Youth Services of Southern Wisconsin Inc.

1955 Atwood Avenue

Madison, WI 53704

 

Office: 245-2550 ext. 216

 

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