
SERENITY
YOUTH HOUSING DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
The Youth Housing Demonstration Program (YHDP) is dedicated to successfully reintegrating the youth back into the community. The goal is to focus on trauma-informed services & support that build safety, and interpersonal/independent living skills that will help our youth obtain & remain in permanent housing. YHDP will provide access to appropriate health services to improve the quality of life, and also connect participants with educational opportunities to increase their employment & income.
SERVICES:
FEES:
Community Homeless Solutions Youth Housing Demonstration Program will provide up to 24 months of transitional housing & up to 12 months of follow-up services after the participant leaves transitional housing. Services are offered throughout Monterey County.
Services Include:
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Case Management
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Housing Navigator
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Crisis Intervention
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Advocacy
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Referral & linkage to additional service groups
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Educational & therapeutic groups
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Financial Education
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Transportation
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Childcare
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Discharge planning & follow up
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Vocational & educational assistance
Participants contribute 30% of their income towards rent. Rapid rehousing dollars may be available to participate upon exit to assist in obtaining permanent sopportive housing.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be 18-24 years of age. Referrals must be provided through the C.A.R.S active housing list.
Donations from the Community will help our participants start their path to a new life & help our non-profit organization by cutting costs for frequently needed items. Your contribution matters.
Frequently Needed Items:
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Pillows
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Twin Sheets
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Blankets
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Kitchen Utensils
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Board Games
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Socks
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Clothing
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Backpacks
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Undergarments
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Bus Passes
Meet Our
YHDP Leadership Team

Priscilla Ortega
YHDP/ DV Program Manager
For 10 years Priscilla Ortega has been an activist in efforts to end violence, Priscilla began working for Community Homeless Solutions in 2016 as a domestic violence advocate she quickly climbed up to lead case manager and eventually got her current position as the Program Manager. As the program manager, she oversees internal and external operations and community education. Under her leadership, the Domestic Violence shelters have grown from 33 beds and 4 cribs emergency beds combined to a total of 53 beds and 6 cribs. Priscilla Seeks out, develops, oversees, and integrates Trauma-Informed Programs to ensure the organization and staff continue to be thought leaders in the movement to end domestic violence. Before her current position, Priscilla served as an evening outreach volunteer, human trafficking expert, Domestic violence case manager, domestic violence advocate, dispatcher, crisis responder as well as facilitated classes for the DV perpetrators. Her knowledge and history give Priscilla a well-rounded approach to being on the management team and a greater understanding of the organization as a whole the DV shelters ensure the best quality and the most effective services for all DV victims.

Lydia Lee
YHDP Housing Navigator
My goal working as a Housing Navigator is to passionately see young adults here on the peninsula thrive and succeed and accomplish sustainability, housing, basic needs , and of course employment and educational opportunities.

"This program has helped me in many ways, such as giving me resources for school, housing, food & jobs. When I was first introduced to this program I was very scared & had second thoughts. Without the words of encouragement of Ms.Priscilla I wouldn't of been here. Recently, I've lost two of my family members, & one of the things that have helped me through this is that everyone in this program have been extremely understanding. One of the first things I had mentioned before coming here was going back to school. They introduced me to many schools, one of which I recently applied to. Moving here was scary for me because I was alone, but being here now & being surrounded by people who just want me to succeed has brought comfort & confidence in me. I know that I can always ask for help because they have made me feel that way. I want to make everyone that works in this program proud of me. I am extremely thankful that this opportunity was presented to me."
— YHDP Participant