SAN ANTONIO — In 2023, Haven for Hope saw the largest increase in homeless young adults needing a place to stay so they created a program in August to help address that trend.
Jessie Burdon, senior director of case management services, said Haven for Hope saw a record number of 789 young adults in need of housing last year.
The young adult program, that has created specific spaces for adults 18 to 24-years-old will serve to change this.
Maria Paloalto is one of the first young adults to use this program after becoming homeless when she left an abusive situation at home.
For months she did what Burdon said most young adults at Haven for Hope do, Paloalto lived with different people here and there.
Like many, it a vulnerable time but when she made it to Haven for Hope she said her life changed for good.
"I’m pursuing a career in education," Paloalto said.
After being at Haven for Hope for almost eight months, Paloalto says she plans to work as a teaching assistant and attend UTSA to earn a degree in hopes of one day becoming an elementary school teacher.
She will leave Haven for Hope with housing. Through partner services, Paloalto could receive assistance from a month to as long as a year, depending on her situation.
The young adult program has proven successful for other young adults like Paloalto, with five others recently being able to move out within the next month.
"In 2023 the average length of stay was 28 days," Burdon said.
That length of stay is changing because of the program, Burdon added. Now young adults are staying at Haven for Hope for three to four months which allows them to utilize programs that will create consistency in their lives.
The program is also helping these groups of people feel less vulnerable and scared.
Burdon said many age out of foster care having no where to go, come from abusive situations, or another rough circumstance that left them without a home.
Through the young adult program, Burdon said they find community. They participate in town halls, have access to computers, and the chance at an education or joining the workforce.
Being surrounded by people who are all going through similar circumstances helps each and every person get back on their feet quicker.
Burdon hopes to see more stories like Paloalto's and reverse the trend that's brought so many young adults in to their organization.