In June, the Ground Floor served a total of 120 unique youth and young adults who are literally homeless, housing insecure, and/or low income with basic needs provided, resource navigation, case management, and referrals to community partners. Here are just a few highlights:
A young man, "Joey", has been coming into the Ground Floor for a few months now. Usually, he just wants a shower and something to eat. He has slowly built relationships with some staff members and recently asked if we could help him obtain his birth certificate. We were able to complete an intake, and during this conversation he was made aware of the breadth of services we provide. After ordering his birth certificate, staff were able to help him enroll in a health insurance program and assist him with signing up for classes at BTC.
Another young man, "Tim", had been a daily participant at Ground Floor for many months but had disappeared for several weeks. Previously, he was only interested in basic needs services and refused offers for substantial help. He returned recently with a sense of purpose and has asked for assistance with SNAP enrollment, goal setting, and job searches. Through the Critical Transitions program, he will have access to intensive case management services and a "housing first" pathway.
"Laurie" has been homeless and sleeping at shelters or outside since 2022. Since being referred to Ground Floor a few months ago, she has really worked on building relationships with the staff and has improved her interpersonal skills immensely, even when it hasn't been easy. Those connections are beginning to pay off. She is engaging with staff in positive ways and doing the work needed to make and meet her goals. Together, we have a goal to obtain housing for her and her partner by the end of September.
