The Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is proud to announce a generous $100,000 gift from the City of Pensacola to support the launch of the transformative “Hand Up for Youth” Program, an initiative designed to address the rising number of homeless youth in our community and provide critical resources to empower them toward self-sufficiency.
The escalating housing crisis has contributed to a stark increase in youth homelessness across Florida. In Escambia County alone, the Florida Department of Education reported 1,913 homeless youth during the last school year—an 11% increase over the previous year. This funding will enable CHS to expand its services and create impactful, long-term solutions for young people experiencing homelessness in our region.
“This partnership with the City of Pensacola is a critical step in addressing the urgent needs of our local homeless youth. Of the 245 children we served last year, the situations that have led to homelessness vary, but this gift from the city directly responds to two of the largest challenges they face: access to safe, stable housing and a path to independence. Our Transitional Living Program has been essential in helping youth gain independence, and this collaboration will provide them with safe housing while they work towards securing employment and saving for their own apartments,” said Leah Harrison, Executive Director at Children’s Home Society. “For younger youth under 18 who we cannot house directly, this support will help us recruit host homes. These youth are often not seen on street corners with signs but instead couch surfing or staying in unsafe environments, putting them at greater risk for exploitation and human trafficking. This partnership is an important step in ensuring a safer, more stable future for these vulnerable young people and giving them the hand up in transition to a thriving, full life. We are grateful to Mayor Reeves, the City Council and the whole team for their vision and support in homeless reduction in Pensacola.”
The “Hand Up for Youth” Program will focus on two key areas:
- Supportive Permanent Housing for Youth Ages 18-23: This program component will provide financial assistance for up to six months of rent, coupled with up to 18 months of case management and a transition plan to help youth achieve independence. With this funding, CHS aims to assist at least 15 youth in securing stable housing and essential resources.
- Host Homes for Homeless Youth Ages 16-17: Designed to serve the most vulnerable young people, this initiative will recruit and support host families to provide safe, short-term housing in a home setting. With the program’s wraparound case management, youth can continue their education and gain stability while benefiting from mentorship and support.
The funds will directly address the high demand for additional housing options, bridging the gap for young people who might otherwise face instability. By investing in this initiative, the City of Pensacola is taking a bold step toward reducing youth homelessness and empowering the next generation to thrive.
“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, how you can become a host home and how to support this initiative, please contact Kelli Foster, Director of Homeless Youth Programming, at kelli.foster@chsfl.org.
About Children’s Home Society of Florida
On the front lines since 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families. Children’s Home Society of Florida serves more than 80,000 children and family members throughout the state each year. More: www.chsfl.org.
