Published: Dec. 4, 2023 at 7:50 AM EST
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Officials say a program helping homeless youth in the region is starting to make an impact.
In August, WCAX News told you about Spectrum Youth and Family Services piloting a cash transfer program that gives 10 young people a monthly stipend of $1,500, a total of $30,000 over 18 months. Recipients meet monthly with Spectrum to talk about budgeting and getting a job to monitor progress.
The youths are chosen based on their demonstrated desire to work hard.
Three months into the program, 10 youths have received the funding and Spectrum says the program is a success so far.
“We’re looking at about half of those youth already gaining permanent housing which is a fantastic outcome. Hopefully, we can continue that trajectory and get the rest of those youth housed,” said Will Towne with Spectrum Youth and Family Services.
The funding for the program came from private donors and federal funds. Spectrum will do three groups of 10 young people each over three-and-a-half years. Spectrum told WCAX News in November they estimate around 50 youths in the Burlington area are experiencing homelessness right now.
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