Youth Opportunity Center

Free meals are available to all homeless or at-risk youth.

For youth who have an urgent need for housing, the Youth Opportunity Center offers nine low-barrier, single bed units. Youth may stay for up to 30 days while working with IHYC youth advocates to meet immediate needs and plan their next step towards self-sufficiency.

Youth and young adults in Iowa struggle with homelessness for many reasons. They may have aged out of the foster care system, cannot live safely with a parent or family member, or don't have stable living arrangements. YSS' programs focus on helping these homeless youth – including pregnant or parenting families – to live independently and become self-sufficient.

Often a last resort for runaway and homeless youth, the YSS Transitional Living (TLP) and Supportive Housing Programs (Rapid Rehousing ‘ RRH) help those who are non-system involved, meaning they are not placed or directly supported by any governmental payment agency. A case manager works one-on-one with each client to help them set and achieve educational, employment, and independent living goals.

Participants may stay in the program for up to 18 months. During this time, youth work one-on-one with Transitional Living Specialists to create and execute a plan to help them acquire safe and secure housing, stable employment, and overall self-sufficiency. Youth are expected to place a portion of their salary in a savings account for use after leaving the program.