Grant to support rent stipends and additional support for homeless youths

A grant of $108,000 from The Henson Fund to Safe Children Coalition (SCC) has been awarded in support of SCC’s Schoolhouse Link program. These funds are designated for unaccompanied homeless youth room and apartment rental subsidies, transportation assistance, and mental health services.

For homeless families or displaced teens who are on their own, Safe Children Coalition’s Schoolhouse Link program serves as protector, support system, and advocate. Schoolhouse Link is contracted by the Sarasota County School Board, serving as the school district’s “Homeless Education Liaison.”

The purpose of the youth room and apartment rental subsidies is to improve student safety and stability for homeless young adults ages 16-25 – who have no family support system – while promoting their continued connection to education. These young individuals need to have been identified as homeless and on their own at the time of connection to SCC’s services. They can receive the housing stipend for up to 2 years. This assistance allows youth to complete high school, begin post-secondary education, or perhaps earn an advanced certification.

Youths select their housing and pay a portion of rent, all the utilities, and other living expenses. The program pays a portion of the rent each month to help make the housing more affordable. The youths are required to work and continue their education; they also work with a REACH (Reconnecting Employment and Academics in Community Housing) Program Specialist and Youth Education Advocate to receive crucial support in their journey to independence and stability.
The Henson Fund has also expressed a desire to assist the youths/young adults served through the Schoolhouse Link program with transportation and mental health services.

“The young adults we serve don’t have the benefit of financial support or counsel from their families and are at a serious disadvantage at a critical time of their lives,” said Schoolhouse Link program director Ellen McLaughlin. “We are grateful to The Henson Fund for helping us to provide an effective support system so that these young people have an opportunity for successful adult lives.”

“We are deeply moved by the critical work your organization is doing to support this vulnerable population and want to provide immediate funds to help relieve some of the pressures faced not only by the young people you serve but also by your dedicated staff,” said Dr. Bianca Harris, Director of Programs at The Henson Fund. “We are so proud of the work you do and value our partnership in supporting homeless and unaccompanied youth.”

There are many different scenarios for youth who do not have a stable home, including older teens or young adults who are fending for themselves on the streets. At present, there are 12 youths in independent housing and room rentals receiving rent subsidies through SCC’s Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Initiative. The Schoolhouse Link program serves nearly 800 homeless students, including 61 youths and young adults.

For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.

About The Henson Fund
The Henson Fund is a Sarasota-based philanthropic organization committed to addressing educational inequities and empowering underserved children to reach their full academic potential. With a mission to educate, enrich, and thereby empower students regardless of background, The Henson Fund partners with schools and community organizations to expand access to academic resources, enrichment opportunities, and supportive programming. By prioritizing equity and tailored support, the Fund strives to create a meaningful, lasting impact for students, families, and communities throughout the region.