A primary function of outreach services is to meet and address basic needs of youth experiencing homelessness. The outreach team provides youth with food, clothing, access to transportation via bus tokens, bus passes, Uber or Lyft rides (as needed), and connection to essential benefits such as healthcare and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

To address immediate basic needs, the outreach team works with the such service providers as the Maryland Transit Authority, private transportation services such as Uber or Lyft, the Department of Social Services/MD Benefits Connection to assist individuals obtain SNAP and healthcare benefits, and funding available through this GOCPYVS grant to purchase non-perishable food and clothing items to distribute to individuals when needed to meet immediate insecurities.

In order to best address basic needs, the outreach team focuses its’ efforts on engaging with youth face-to-face. Due to challenges imposed by COVID-19, meeting with youth face-to-face can present safety concerns so the outreach team relied on technology to connect individuals to essential benefits where possible.

The annual target percentage for meeting the basic need of youth at the point of engagement is 100%. During FY22, a total of 100% or 453 of 453 youth had their basic need(s) met at the point of engagement. This number is the sum of all face-to-face contacts during the reporting period and may reflect multiple contacts with each youth.  During engagements the outreach team utilizes all available resources to address the basic needs of the homeless youth served.

Definitions

Basic Need:  “Basic Needs” include food, water, clothing, transportation, and referrals to healthcare.

Shelter:  “Shelter” refers to the public or private shelter system, as well as such alternatives as hotels, transitional housing, and temporary community placement such as a friend or family member’s home.  Outreach staff offer to try to locate shelter and secure other resources for 100% of referred youth.  However, the number of shelter opportunities on any given night is limited. As such, shelter cannot be guaranteed.