Research Impact Spotlight: Partnering with the Klaras Center for Families' Homeless Youth Safety Net Project
In January 2023, it was estimated that over 30,000 youth in the United States were experiencing homelessness while also absent a parent, adult loved one, or other guardian. Over 20% of those same youth were experiencing and/or escaping domestic violence. Dr. Cheryl Pooler, LCSW and Lecturer at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University, partnered with the Klaras Center for Families' Homeless Youth Safety Net Project: Basic Center Program in the Heart of Texas Region to assess and evaluate their grant funded by the U. S. Department of Human and Health Services. One of the tangible outcomes of this grant from DHHS is the support of the Chase House through the Runaway Homeless Youth (RHY) Safety Net Program. The Chase House is a youth crises respite center that provides transitional housing in a 6-county area in Central Texas.
Dr. Pooler said, "The program's success is being measured in many ways. However, some of the most exciting outcomes are the intersections of seeing increased human connection with increased input from the youth affected to ensure that those most in need are having their voice heard in critical decision-making areas."
Dr. Pooler continued, "We have found that it is essential to positive outcomes for youth (especially after what we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic) that they are in environments that overcome isolation to ensure they are graduating high school and setting a foundation for later success in life. Our research is showing that graduation rates are often higher for our students than for the youth in the same schools that are not experiencing homelessness."
Following are a few quotes from students at Chase House:
"[Chase House] helped me with homelessness & my mental health at the same time. Every kid should have the chance to experience a youth crisis respite center, to have a place to lay their head or to have a meal put on their stomach helps out a lot. [Chase House] is also filled with outgoing & intelligent staff who teach you important life skills when no one else can. They'll support you when there's no one else & push you to go above & beyond, & every upcoming child needs & deserves to have this opportunity. Without [Chase House] I don't know where I'd be, I would've been homeless, hungry, & lost & I am very thankful to have experienced such an amazing program." —17-year-old female
"If it wasn't for Chase House, I would've been in jail. The staff impacted me the most. One thing I learned from being in shelter is this: In life, it's not about what you have, it's about what you keep." —17-year-old male
"At the Chase House, everyone acts like a family. One thing I learned from being part of this program is that I really like structure. [Chase House Staff] helped me get in touch with other places that can help me after I graduate." —17-year-old female
"The most helpful thing I learned was how to control my anger. The people here are funny and I would use Chase house again because it's somewhere I can lay my head and eat." —17-year-old female
"I liked the people [Chase House Staff] the most. I learned that life isn't just about partying and smoking and they helped me with a lot." —16-year-old female
AB Waters, a Garland School of Social Work graduate who works at Chase House, says, "The transition from adolescence to adulthood is challenging. The RHY Safety Net Program plays a vital role in this community, especially when an individual experiences food insecurity, housing instability, or trauma on top of that upcoming transition.
As the RHY Caseworker, my favorite part of our time together is hearing their stories and aspirations in life. I meet these individuals where they are, walking alongside them while providing skills training and connecting them to any resources that will help them thrive in life."