Founded in 1968, Youth Continuum (YC) provides housing and services for and advocates on behalf of youth and young adults ages 14 to 24, particularly those who are homeless or at highest risk of homelessness. This includes young people who identify as racial and gender minorities, are leaving CT’s child welfare or justice systems, have mental health and/or substance abuse problems, are being trafficked (sex and/or labor trafficking) or are pregnant or parenting. YC provides a continuum of programs, including prevention, diversion, early intervention/rapid exit, emergency shelter and supportive housing. Its services include street outreach, employment skills and financial literacy training, family engagement and counseling and mental health and substance abuse evaluation and therapy. This grant provides general operating support to YC as it looks towards its newest initiative, a young adult crisis shelter that will be co-led by New Haven area college student volunteers.

To provide case management, work readiness and life skills, mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment, emergency shelter and/or transitional housing, and referral to other community services for homeless, court-involved and other high-risk youth ages 16 to 21, many of whom drop in to the MacMullen Center looking for help. Of the youth served, nearly half typically have had justice system involvement. Nearly 95% are enrolled and remain in school and a third obtain employment. Participating youth are trained to self-advocate. Data on the issues faced by these young people are shared with local, state and national policymakers.