“I feel like this was a sign from god. I’ve always wanted to help the homeless, and now here I was in a shelter.”
Kylee is a participant in Heartland Alliance Health’s Young Adult Supportive Services (YASS) program, providing housing and services to homeless youth. She has seen firsthand what so many people in Chicago face when a crisis falls on one’s shoulders with no community support to help.
“I feel like these experiences have given me the chance to understand what actually happens to people who become homeless, and that those things don’t have to happen to us.”
This Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week, Kylee has been thinking a lot about what causes so many young people to fall into circumstances like her own. Just last year, Chicago Public Schools reported serving 16,451 homeless students.
“Honestly I think it starts off with our support systems – not just family and friends either. I was on my own right when I turned 18, and that’s not easy. I had my first job at an early age, but I didn’t have the luxury of spending on how I wanted to. I felt I had to grow up too fast. I feel lucky I was able to keep my head on my shoulders during all of this.”
After reflecting on the path that placed her in such unstable conditions, Kylee sees a greater need for services and resources. She believes that her family’s experience with homelessness could have been greatly reduced had there simply been more access to affordable and supportive housing. According to her, there are plenty of people out there who want to help – but there simply aren’t enough affordable units to go around.
“A lot of the funding in this country is going into the wrong areas. This city needs to support young people with more education, more services, more people willing to help. Programs like YASS are amazing, but it did take months for an opening – there are a lot of people out there who are hurting, and we need more YASS programs and bigger YASS Programs.”
Today, Kylee’s work with the YASS team has provided her the safety and security needed to rebuild her life. With the foundational necessity of a home secured, she is able to work with case managers and clinicians to begin down a path toward success. Through employment opportunities, free quality healthcare, and a supportive community, Kylee believes she’s ready for whatever life throws at her next. She only hopes that more can receive the care and support she has received through the YASS program.
“It was very hard, you know, we were dealt a pretty hard deck of cards. But we had each other and we had that hope. And when I met Heartland, you know, you all have such great personalities. I feel comfortable talking to all of you about anything.”
