Pensacola donates $100K to help homeless youths
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG) — The City of Pensacola has donated $100,000 to support the Children's Home Society of Florida's Hand Up for Youth Program.
The program addresses the rising number of homeless youths and provides resources to help them become independent.
In Escambia County, the Florida Department of Education reported 1,913 homeless youths during the last school year, an 11% increase since last year.
'This funding allows CHS to expand its services and create long-term solutions for young local people experiencing homelessness,' said Leah Harrison, the society's executive director.
The Hand Up for Youth Program focuses on two key areas: supportive permanent housing for 18- to 23-year-olds and host homes for 16- to 17-year-olds.
This first program provides financial assistance for up to six months of rent, up to 18 months of case management, and a transition plan to help achieve independence. The second program recruits and supports host families to provide safe, short-term housing.
'Solving homelessness isn't a one-size-fits-all problem, and there are many facets to consider,' Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said. 'Our partnership with the Children's Home Society of Florida reflects the city's commitment to exploring diverse solutions, including addressing the needs of our area's 'invisible youth.'
'To improve our residents' quality of life and reduce homelessness, we need local community leaders, businesses, and charities to unite for a real chance at making lasting change.'
For more information about the Hand Up for Youth Program, contact Kelli Foster, director of Homeless Youth Programming, at kelli.foster@chsfl.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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