WHAT IS THE YOUNG ADULT HOUSING PROGRAM AT UWKC?

The Young Adult Housing Program (HUD YHDP) is an initiative designed to support youth and young adults in Kershaw County who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Participants, who are ages 18 – 24, are assisted in obtaining stable housing and receive ongoing coaching,
support, education, and case management needed to learn life skills and live successfully on their own. 

HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM?

To qualify, participants must:

♦ be between the ages of 18 and 24
♦ be a Kershaw County resident
♦ be literally homeless OR at imminent risk of becoming homeless
♦ lack support from family or another network
♦ complete a referral and assessment process through ECHO’s Coordinated Entry System
♦ demonstrate a willingness to participate in supportive services

ARE THERE ACTUALLY HOMELESS YOUNG ADULTS IN KERSHAW COUNTY?

Yes, unfortunately the number of unhoused and housing insecure residents in Kershaw County is increasing.

Common scenarios that lead to these circumstances may look like:

♦ Aging out of foster care
♦ Escaping unsafe living conditions or situations
♦ Domestic Violence
♦ Non typical learners or Special Needs individuals
♦ Being a member of the LGBTQ community
♦ Substance Abuse
♦ Criminal Records
♦ Long term lack of support from family

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER PARTICIPANTS?

Participants in the Young Adult Housing Program can expect access to:

♦ Assistance in finding, applying for, and securing stable housing
♦ Financial assistance with security deposits, rent, and utilities
♦ Life skills development, including budgeting, cooking, and job readiness
♦ Case management tailored to youth/young adult needs
♦ Assistance establishing care with a primary care physician and mental health services
♦ Connection to education, employment, and health services
♦ Transportation to and from appointments, social services, or employment

♦ 1:1 Coaching and emotional support through trauma-informed care
♦ Opportunities to connect with mentors and build community

HOW IS IT FUNDED?

This program is funded through a HUD grant (YHDP) and local donations.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AS A…

Landlord
In addition to having guaranteed and on time rent for 12 consecutive months, the YAH Case Manager is an
additional point of contact for your tenant. We encourage you to screen and manage participants as you
normally would, except for their income. If there are any issues with noise complaints, lease violations, repairs,
etc., landlords have the benefit of benefit of having a case manager to assist in addressing these issues
immediately.

Participant
You can expect support in a way that respects your goals and helps you work toward independence. You'll be
assisted in obtaining housing, a case manager to guide you, and access to services that meet your unique
needs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity – what you put in to it is what you will get out of it.

Community Partner or Referring Agency
You can expect collaboration with our housing team and . UWKC works closely with agencies to ensure
streamlined referrals, care coordination, and positive outcomes for the young adults we serve.

Donor or Advocate
Your support fuels housing stability, employment readiness, and hope for vulnerable youth in our community.
Expect transparency, measurable outcomes, and lives changed through your impact.

MORE ABOUT HUD’S YOUTH HOMELESSNESS DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM (YHDP)

UWKC’s Young Adult Housing program is funded through a HUD Demonstration Program, which is a program
or initiative that is designed to test new approaches, strategies, or interventions in housing and community
development.  The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) works to aim to gather data and
evidence to inform future policy and program development. UWKC applies to both