Whitepaper by Mobile Hope : simplebooklet.com

ContentsContents3...........Executive Summary5...........Introduction6...........Homelessness, pictured7...........Referrals 8...........By the Numbers9...........McKinney-Vento 10..........Understanding Youth Homelessness11...........Characteristics12..........Innovative Solutions14..........Ethnic & Gender Breakdown 15..........Challenges16..........Consequences18..........Animal vs. Human Shelters20.........Loudoun County Core Services22.........Evidence-Based Solution25.........Outcomes26.........Mobile Hope as Core Non-Profit29.........How Protocol Impacts Practice30.........Referring Agencies & Collaborations31..........Aligning the Broader System35..........Conclusion36..........References39..........Appendices

Page 3

WhyWhyYouth homelessness presents a complex andpressing issue that requires comprehensiveunderstanding and effective solutions. This whitepaper delves into the various factors contributing toyouth homelessness, its long term consequences,and proposes multifaceted approaches to tackle thiscritical societal challenge, including creating youthhomeless services as a core county service providedby Mobile Hope. It leverages professional insightssupported by local and national data and proposes aroadmap to address youth homelessness, includinga systemic approach. By examining root causes andexploring innovative interventions, we aim to provideinsights that inform policy-making, fundingdecisions, community engagement, and supportsystems for vulnerable youth.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Through the development of this whitepaper, Mobile Hope discovered that fundingfor transition-aged youth has not kept pace with the growing number of referrals,despite recommendations from a county-funded study in 2017. The 335% increaseover 2023 in youth homelessness (as reported by the 2024 Point-in-Time Count)further illustrates this is an issue that needs immediate intervention. If leftunchecked, its continued growth will continue to put Loudoun, as a communityand county, behind other jurisdictions.If funding levels decrease or remain stagnant, Mobile Hope will start a waitlist forreferrals, leaving an average of 49 unduplicated homeless youth unserved everymonth. 314 court-mandated hours per month will go unfulfilled, and 782 justice-involved youth will be forced to perform court-mandated service hours at analternate site. Youth are often selected to perform hours at Mobile Hope specificallyso they may also become acquainted with our program based on their identifiedneeds.Mobile Hope Developedthis Whitepaper:Mobile HopeFound:WhatWhatMH3

Page 4

MH4WhatWhatMobile Hope Recommends:Creating youth homelessness services as a core county program will addressthis funding and service gap. The maximum amount of funding for homelessyouth services through the Loudoun County Human Services competitivegrant process is $113,000 which has not kept pace with the 298 referrals MobileHope received from county agencies last year alone. Since 2015, Mobile Hopehas received 2,512 referrals from county agencies, 208 from the faithcommunity, 648 from family/friends, 677 from clients/self and 550 fromcommunity members. Mobile Hope has served 4,568 homeless, at-risk orprecariously-housed youth since our inception. With a mortality rate of more than 10X more than their peers, (Auerswold et al.,2016), the reported increase in homeless youth demands urgent intervention,increased funding, and system alignment. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Page 5

MH5Youth homelessness is a profound social issuethat transcends geographic, cultural, andsocioeconomic boundaries. Defined as lackinga fixed, regular, and adequate nighttimeresidence (McKinney-Vento), and as living ina place not meant for human habitationHousing (HUD), it encompasses a broadspectrum of experiences, from living on thestreets to temporary shelter stays and unstableand unsafe housing situations. Despite effortsto mitigate its impact, youth homelessnesspersists as a pervasive problem with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families,and communities. Youth homelessness inLoudoun County increased a dramatic 335%according to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count,an annual count by the United StatesDepartment of Housing and UrbanDevelopment in conjunction with areajurisdictions and homeless service providers, tocount the number of unhoused and hiddenindividuals in a community. As stated in the2024 Point-in-Time Count Report, “singlepoint-in-time counts will alwaysunderestimate the true number” of homelessyouth. (MWCOG, 2024). IntroductionIntroduction

Page 6

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

McKinney-VentoMcKinney-VentoHomeless Assistance Act Homeless Assistance Act McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal lawthat ensures homeless children and youth can receivefree and appropriate public education. Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act defineshomelessness as living in the following places due to alack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttimeresidence:Emergency or transitional shelterMotel, hotel, or campground due to lack of anadequate alternativeCar, park, public place, bus or train station, orabandoned buildingDoubled-up with relatives or friends due to loss ofhousing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth (Project Hope Virginia, 2024)McKinney-Vento Students: Year Loudoun Fairfax2023/24: 1545 22052022/23: 1896 21292021/22: 1921 20952020/21: 1882 1186 MH9

Page 10

To effectively address youth homelessness, it is crucial to understand its underlyingcauses. According to the Health & Human Services Report to Congress, “the twoprincipal causes of youth homelessness are: 1) a breakdown in family relationships 2) inadequate interventions from systems that are charged with protecting,nurturing, and supervising youth when their families cannot.” The primary reason youth consistently state for the cause of their homelessnessis family conflict. The second leading cause of youth homelessness links to thehigh proportion of homeless youth who have been in foster care. Additionally,there is growing evidence suggesting that many homeless youth have spent timein juvenile detention” (Samuels et al., 2019). Root causes include but are not limited to:intergenerational povertylack of affordable housinghomophobiatransphobiaunresolved traumamental illnesstraffickinglack of transition planning from correctional and welfare systemssystemic racismMH10UNDERSTANDINGUNDERSTANDINGYouth HomelessnessYouth HomelessnessAgencies serving homeless youth existbecause transition-age youth need youth-specific interventions and services.Effective interventions and services arealigned with adolescent developmentalmilestones and oriented toward ensuringhomelessness is brief and non-recurring. Pictured: a homeless 19-year old sleeps just feetfrom Market Street

Page 11

Youth experiencing homelessness often share several characteristics and facenumerous challenges, including:Unstable Housing: Frequent moves between friends' or relatives' homes,shelters, motels, or living on the streets.Family Conflict: High levels of family dysfunction, abuse, neglect, or conflict,often leading to runaway situations or being forced out.Economic Hardship: Limited financial resources and lack of employmentopportunities, contributing to their inability to secure stable housing.Educational Disruption: Difficulty attending school regularly, leading to loweracademic achievement and higher dropout rates.Mental Health Issues: Increased prevalence of mental health problems suchas depression, anxiety, and PTSD due to trauma and instability.Substance Abuse: Higher likelihood of substance use and abuse, either as acoping mechanism or due to exposure and availability.Lack of Social Support: Limited access to supportive relationships with family,friends, or mentors who can provide guidance and assistanceHealth Problems: Poor physical health due to lack of access to healthcare,nutritious food, and safe living conditions.Victimization: Higher risk of experiencing violence, exploitation, andtrafficking, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth and those with a history of abuse.Legal Issues: Greater interaction with the justice system, often stemming fromsurvival behaviors like theft or trespassing.CHARACTERISTICSof homeless youthMH11CHARACTERISTICSCHARACTERISTICSof homeless youth of homeless youth Poor decision making based on survival needs and the lure of the street economy. (selling drugs, prostitution)Stigma and Isolation: Feelings of shame, stigma, and isolation from mainstream society, leading to further marginalization.Bullying: marginalized and unempowered, they are targets.Pictured: Drug paraphernalia left behind by homeless youth

Page 12

Innovative Solutions Innovative Solutions And Best PracticesAnd Best PracticesMH12Addressing youth homelessness requires a multifaceted approachthat combines prevention, intervention, and support strategies.This population requires a creative approach to service delivery.Systemic bureaucracy has led many to stay away from receivingadditional support as their past experiences with moreformalized offerings have created internal strife.Key components of effective solutions include:Housing First Initiatives: Prioritizing stable housing as afoundational intervention, Housing First models provide homelessyouth with immediate access to safe and affordableaccommodations, coupled with wraparound support servicestailored to individual needs. Housing First allows homeless youth afoundation upon which to build a future. This model understandsthe necessity of basic needs first such as shelter, and that peoplecannot address other intersecting needs without permanent stablehousing first. There is consistent evidence that Housing First is aneffective model for addressing youth homelessness (Gaetz et al.,2023). Youth-Centered Support Services: Culturally competent andtrauma-informed support services, including case management,mental health counseling, educational assistance, and life skillstraining, empower homeless youth to overcome barriers andachieve self-sufficiency.Collaborative Partnerships: Building collaborative partnershipsamong government agencies, non-profit organizations, communitystakeholders, and youth advocates fosters coordination, resourcesharing, and offers a collective impact in addressing youthhomelessness at local, regional, and national levels.

Page 13

MH13Prevention and Early Intervention: Investing in early intervention programs, familymediation services, and community-based support networks helps prevent youthhomelessness by addressing underlying risk factors and strengthening protectivefactors within families and communities. Mobile Hope’s “Listen for the Honk” busoutreach program is aligned with this model. In 2024 (through August) inpartnership with our homeless youth, Mobile Hope served 3,988 Loudoun Countyfamilies consisting of 17,317 family members with vital daily essentials. Thisintervention allows families to save on items we can supply free, keeping thesestruggling families one step away from homelessness.Youth Empowerment and Advocacy: Amplifying the voices of homeless youththrough participatory research, peer support networks, and youth-led advocacyinitiatives promotes agency, resilience, and social inclusion, while challengingsystemic injustices and policy barriers. Innovative Solutions Innovative Solutions And Best PracticesAnd Best PracticesListen for the Honk through August 24 Loudoun CountyOutside LoudounTotal Families Family Members3,988 17,317 3,955 14,5797,943 31,896

Page 14

Ethnic & Gender BreakdownMH14Since Our InceptionSince Our InceptionAccording to The Voices of YouthCount report, youth were morelikely to experience homelessness ifthey were:• Not high school graduates (3.5times higher risk for those without aGED or diploma)• Young parents (3 times higher risk)• LGBTQ (2 times higher risk) • Black (nearly 2 times higher risk)• Hispanic (nearly 1.5 times higherrisk) Understanding these characteristics is essentialfor developing effective interventions and supportsystems tailored to the unique needs of homelessyouth. EthnicityHispanic: 945White: 486Black: 464Middle Eastern: 255Multi-racial: 148 Other: 38 Asian: 35Did not Answer: 2170 2011-July 2024Gender & Sexual Orientation Male: 1730Female: 1956Heterosexual: 2,984Transgender: 20 Other: 45 Gender Neutral: 3 Pansexual: 7 Homosexual: 23Did not answer: 458Asexual: 2Bisexual: 31

Page 15

CHARACTERISTICSof homeless youthMH15Challenges in Addressing Challenges in Addressing Youth HomelessnessYouth HomelessnessEfforts to address youth homelessness are hindered by a range of challenges,including limited access to affordable housing, fragmented service provision, stigma,and insufficient funding for prevention and intervention programs. Additionally,systemic inequalities and policy gaps perpetuate disparities in access to resourcesand support for marginalized youth populations.The beginning of adulthood is a critical developmental period which canestablish the direction for the rest of life. (Franke & Anda, 2013). Precariously-housed and homeless transition-age youth have unique vulnerabilities related to ahigh incidence of physical and mental health problems (Perlman et al., 2014),overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals (DeChants et al., 2021), and a high risk ofphysical and sexual victimization (Dworsky et al., 2013). Mobile Hope’s data shows 131LGBTQ+ youth served to date. In a west coast study, Auerswold et al. (2016) reporteda mortality rate for homeless youth of ten times more than their peers, primarilyfrom suicide or substance abuse overdoses.A 2017 study prepared by theVirginia Tech Institute for Policyand Governance found that countyand nonprofit services “fell shortof the need in all areas of humanservices, particularly affordablehousing, affordable child care,addiction treatment, immigrantservices, basic life services, andtransitional services for homelessyouth.”https://www.loudounnow.com/archives/nonprofit-study-finds-safety-net-holes-recommends-grant-overhaul/article_4b51b458-83ec-5d3d-84f4-36148114d1ca.htmlDECEASED 1 of 11 drug-related deathsof youth in our program

Page 16

CHARACTERISTICSof homeless youthMH16Consequences of Consequences of Youth HomelessnessYouth HomelessnessThe repercussions of youth homelessness extend beyond immediate housinginsecurity. Homeless youth face heightened risks of exploitation, violence, substancemisuse, mental health disorders, and educational disruption. Moreover, the cycle ofhomelessness perpetuates intergenerational poverty and social exclusion, creatingsystemic barriers to stability and opportunity. Field Center Research indicated twoout of three homeless females reported being solicited for paid sex. For allgenders, 22% of those homeless youth who were approached for paid sex hadthis happen on their very first night of being homeless (Wolfe et al., 2018).Social media also plays a significant role in contributing to harmful decision making,particularly among youth. From peer pressure and dating apps to trends andimmediate gratification, each diminishes one's self confidence. Promotion of Risky Behaviors:Social media platforms often feature contentthat glamorizes risky behaviors. This can leadimpressionable users to imitate these actions.Studies have shown a correlation betweenexposure to such content and increasedlikelihood of engaging in similar behaviors .Cyberbullying & Peer Pressure: Cyberbullyingis prevalent on social media and can havesevere psychological effects on victims,leading to harmful decisions such as self-harmor even suicide. Additionally, peer pressureamplified by social media can push individualsto engage in risky behaviors to fit in or gainapproval . Misinformation and Fake News:Social media is a significant source ofmisinformation and fake news, which can leadto harmful decisions.

Page 17

CHARACTERISTICSof homeless youthMH17Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders:Social media often promotes unrealistic body standards, leading to bodydissatisfaction and unhealthy behaviors such as extreme dieting, eatingdisorders, or excessive exercise. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok areparticularly notorious for fostering environments that emphasize physicalappearance and beauty standards . Addiction and Mental Health Issues:The addictive nature of social media can lead to excessive use, which is linked tomental health issues like anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The constantcomparison with others' seemingly perfect lives can exacerbate feelings ofinadequacy and low self-esteem, potentially leading to harmful decisions . Violent Content and Radicalization:Exposure to violent content and extremist ideologies on social media can lead toradicalization and violent behavior. Platforms have been used to spread hatespeech, recruit for terrorist organizations, and incite violence, which caninfluence vulnerable individuals . Sexting and Online Exploitation:Social media facilitates the sharing of intimate content, which can lead tosexting and online exploitation. Youth may be coerced or manipulated intosharing explicit images, which can then be used for blackmail or distributedwithout their consent, leading to severe emotional distress and harmfuldecisions .Consequences of Consequences of Youth HomelessnessYouth HomelessnessAccording to an NIH study,homeless youth “who lackemployment in the formaleconomy typically turn tothe street economy (e.g.,prostitution, drug selling)for survival” (Gwadz et al.,2009).INCARCERATED 1 of 15 youth from MH’s programjailed in 2023-2024.

Page 18

Unsettling discrepancies exist in the most recent Fiscal Year budgets as proposedand published by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. The discrepancy ingovernment funding between Loudoun County’s Animal Shelter and the AdultHomeless Shelter is significant. In 2023, there were 220 homeless individuals in Loudoun County, as reported bythe Point-in-Time homelessness count (Graham, 2023). This was a 122% increasefrom the previous year (Barthel, 2024). These 220 individuals experiencinghomelessness were counted in January 2023, while Loudoun County AnimalShelter reported 157 animals in their shelter in the same month (LCAS, 2023). Thedifference is 63 more homeless humans than animals during the month of January2023. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, Animal Services in Loudoun received over $4.5 million infunding from local tax dollars, and FY 2024’s proposed budget is an increase to$4.6 million (Loudoun County, 2024). This is a stark contrast to the FY 2024adopted budget that allocates $2.1 million for programs including the homelessservices center (Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, 2023), meaning homelessanimals are receiving more than double the funding than homeless people. MH18vs. SHELTERS Animal Human Animal Human

Page 19

The Loudoun Times reported that Loudoun Homeless Services received 363 totalclients in 2023, far exceeding their 44-bed capacity. This limitation of beds resultedin placing 17 families and 26 singles on the waitlist in September of 2023, as reportedby Karen Graham for the Loudoun Times (2023). However, in their reports on the Animal Shelter, Loudoun County states that they are“very fortunate to be in a current position where we do not have a limit on theamount of time that an animal can stay at Loudoun County Animal Services” (LCAS,2022). It can be concluded, then, that the Animal Shelter has adequate space andbeds for their average of 59 animals that stay in their facilities every month, and thatthere is no waitlist to stay (LCAS, 2023). Conversely, the adult shelter reported a waitlist of over 50 individuals (Graham,2023). The waitlist to get into this shelter has consistently been full, and only threeMobile Hope clients have moved from the waitlist into the shelter since the Fall of2022. The shelter has been full for over a year. There is no waitlist for the animal shelter; all homeless animals are able to stay intheir facilities for as long as they need. The adult shelter has an active waitlist, a capon length of stay, and while waiting, families and individuals may be sleeping on thestreets. How can these disparities be fixed?The primary issue is the difference in government funding. Expanding the capacityof the Loudoun County Homeless Shelter and increasing funding for homelessyouth services would narrow the gap in services. The allotted $2.1 million is not only for use by homeless services, but also includesfoster care, guardianship, and other housing services, resulting in the funding beingsplit between organizations. In other words, the adult homeless shelter does notreceive the full $2.1 million, but has to split it among other social service organizations. MH19

Page 20

“Core service providers meet the critical safety, health, transportation, andemergency shelter needs of those most vulnerable and disadvantaged in thecommunity and are considered an arm of the County Government. The Division ofProcurement issues requests for proposals for healthcare services, domesticviolence services, and aging and disability support services. Currently, the Countyholds five contracts for core services.”(https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/168847/6c---Nonprofit-Organizations-PDF)“Beginning in FY 21, we anticipate using the Board's directed requirements toissue an RFP that any nonprofit can bid on in order to meet the needs identifiedby the Board. The RFP process will allow staff to assess whether any newproviders have entered the county or started offering the needed serviceswithin the last two years. The criteria are currently as follows; any changes tothese criteria would need to be approved by the Board.· The provider has substantial experience in delivering critical direct careservices in the areas of safety, health and emergency shelter to vulnerablepopulations in Loudoun.· The provider has a demonstrated record of high quality performance andorganizational and fiscal stability.· The provider must be the primary or only source of a critical safety net serviceprovision that cannot be administered by a local government entity.· The provider meets an identified critical human service need that improveshealth, safety, security and independence for vulnerable residents andpositively impacts the community.· The provider is currently the best point of entry to safety, health and/oremergency shelter services that they provide to the community.” Although there is limited information on core services on the county website, in anemail response to Mobile Hope dated July 1, 2019 from Erin McLellan, Director,Loudoun County Department of Management & Budget copying Valmarie Turner: Loudoun County Core ServicesLoudoun County Core ServicesMH20

Page 21

Page 22

MOBILE HOPE’S MOBILE HOPE’S Evidence-Based Solution Evidence-Based Solution Mobile Hope’s work is based on the following evidence-based approaches,techniques and frameworks to address needs of homeless and at-risk youth upto 24 years of age. Crisis Care: Services designed to provide immediate support for young peopleexperiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness (Morton et al., 2019).These services aim to address their urgent needs and stabilize their situations. Keycomponents of crisis care services for homeless youth include emergency shelter,basic needs assistance, therapeutic and counseling services, access to medicalservices and critical medications, substance abuse and emergency mental healthreferrals, case management, education and employment support, transportation,family reunification (when appropriate), life skills training, and outreach programs(Morton et al., 2019).Full-Frame Initiative & 5 Domains of Well-Being: This evidence-informedframework guides our collaborative work. The Full Frame is a photographicmetaphor, indicating the benefit of seeing the “whole” person. This is a “people-centered”, not “problem-centered” approach, which minimizes trade-offs andleverages common-sense. The five domains of well-being include meaningful accessto relevant resources, social connectedness, stability, safety and mastery. A stabilityscale to track well-being, adapted for the needs of the population we serve, isadministered during intake and post intervention.https://www.fullframeinitiative.org/learn/topics/human-services/Positive Youth Development Framework: A prosocial approach focused on“forging positive relationships; strengthening academic, soft and technical skills;cultivating trustworthy, safe spaces; and offering youth opportunities to succeed inmeaningful ways. Another defining characteristic is that youth are treated as equalpartners and engage with their communities, schools, organizations, peer groupsand families in ways that are both constructive and productive.” (Chowa et al, 2023)MH22

Page 23

MOBILE HOPE’S MOBILE HOPE’S Evidence-Based SolutionEvidence-Based SolutionTrauma-Informed Care: “a strength-based framework grounded in anunderstanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma, that emphasizesphysical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and survivors, andthat creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control andempowerment” (Hopper, Bassuk and Olivet, 2010). Transitional Living Program: Intervention for youth experiencing homelessnessand/or transitioning from foster care system achieve short- and long-term gains infive core areas: housing, physical and mental health, life skills, income andemployment, and education (Semborski et al., 2021).Motivational Interviewing:A proven framework for working with individuals struggling with homelessness (SAMHSA, 2010).Housing First:An evidence-based model for addressing homelessness which prioritizes access tohousing and services. (https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Housing-First-Research.pdf)Non-Housing Case Management: Addressing the non-housing related issues(budgeting, life skills, referrals to other needed resources, etc.) has proven to becritical for youth to progress to self-sufficiency (Morton et al. 2019).Zero Suicide/Suicide Safer Care: developed from evidence-based practices, whichinformed seven core elements of safe suicide care (Grumet et al, 2024).MH23

Page 24

MOBILE HOPE’S MOBILE HOPE’S Evidence-Based SolutionEvidence-Based SolutionThe Transition to Independence Process (TIP) Model: Rated as “promising” by theCalifornia Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare for youth 14-25, this modelengages struggling youth in the process of planning their own future and providesthem with support and services focused on self-sufficiency (CEBC, 2023).Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Social determinants of health caninfluence health more than health care or lifestyle choices according to research,accounting for between 30-55% of health outcomes (World Health Organization, datenot listed).Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview (FETI): FETI is a science-based interviewingframework that focuses on collecting information without retraumatizing the victimand documenting the data in a neutral and equitable manner (Reid, 2019).The Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) Model: an employment model that teachesjob skills in a supportive environment, allowing individuals to learn trade skills and“soft skills” for interacting in a work environment. SEI models have been effective inhelping participants from other vulnerable groups — including adults experiencinghomelessness, adults with mental illness, and gang-involved youth — obtain andmaintain a job. In addition, both SEI and IPS models show early promise in terms ofimproved mental health outcomes among youth with mental health challenges livingon the streets (Ferguson, 2013).MH24

Page 25

Page 26

A 2017 comprehensive review of the needs of Loudoun’s nonprofits prepared bythe Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance found the county fell shorton its funding for nonprofits. It was noted that County and non-profit services fellshort in all human service areas, citing transitional services for homeless youthand basic life services.335% increase in youth homelessness in Loudoun County according to the2024 PIT Count. It is reported that the PIT count significantly underestimatesthat amount of homeless individuals. Underestimating has led to reducedfederal funding and reduced available services.Mobile Hope provides an unduplicated service and is the only source forsafety net services and daily access to life-sustaining support which are notprovided by a government entity.One of the criteria for becoming a core non-profit is that the organizationserves as an arm of the county government. Mobile Hope has received 907referrals from county agencies since 2022. Helping youth move from homelessness to self sufficiency and independence iscomplicated, multifaceted, and costly. A customized service plan is provided foreach youth, considering the need for the following services: Vital daily supplies including food clothes and hygiene itemsTransportationEmergency shelterMedical supportInsuranceMental health servicesSubstance abuse servicesReplacement of vital documentsDonated carsRapid rehousingTransitional living (apartment or RV)MentorshipJob skills & “soft” skillsBudgeting & Financial Literacy Educational needs MH26MOBILE HOPE AS CORE NON-PROFIT MOBILE HOPE AS CORE NON-PROFIT Making the CaseMaking the Case335% 335% increase in youthhomelessness inLoudoun Countysince 2023according to the2024 PIT Count.

Page 27

MH27average annual costto move a youth toself-sufficencyMOBILE HOPE AS CORE NON-PROFIT MOBILE HOPE AS CORE NON-PROFIT Making the CaseMaking the Case$5,101 $5,101 Mobile Hope has historically had acaseload of 50 to 60 clients with clientneeds differing in intensity. Howeverthe increase in need has increasedthat caseload to over 100 (splitbetween 2 full time caseworkers and 1part time social worker). While walk-ins are steady, once accepted into ourprogram, there is case managementthat continues. 284 284 referrals were madeto Mobile Hope fromcounty agencies inthe first half of 2024.Laundry & ShowersTeen LoungeComputer labSleep roomReferralsGED Study Site for LCPSHandcuffs to Hope (Reentry Services)Trade schoolCommunity & ConnectionPeer to Peer MentoringLegal servicesKitchen & Cooking (and more)Clients do not “age out” of ourprogram; they remain a part of ourcommunity and serve as rolemodels and peer support for youthwho are beginning their journeythrough homelessness.Mobile Hope has employed morethan 20 crisis kids, donated 8 cars,and housed 24 youth through ourTransitional Housing Program,many of them high schoolstudents.*Also supported by our gift-in-kinddonations.

Page 28

The average number of case workers needed for acaseload of 100 varies depending on the type ofcases, the intensity of the cases, and the standardsset by various organizations. Here are someconsiderations and guidelines from various sources:General Social Services:General social work guidelines often suggestthat a reasonable caseload is around 15-20cases per worker for more intensive, high-need cases. For less intensive cases, such asthose requiring less frequent contact orfollow-up, caseloads can be higher, oftenaround 30-40 cases per worker . Specialized Services:For specialized services such as housingsupport for homeless individuals, theNational Alliance to End Homelessnesssuggests a caseload of 20-25 clients percaseworker for permanent supportivehousing programs Given these recommendations, the averagenumber of case workers needed for a caseload of100 can be calculated as follows:General Social Services:High-need cases: 5 caseworkers.Less intensive cases: 2.5 caseworkers.Therefore, for a caseload of 100, the number of caseworkers needed typically ranges from 3 to 10,depending on the intensity and type of serviceprovided. On average, aiming for a balance ofcaseworker-to-client ratio, around 5 to 7 caseworkers would be a reasonable estimate for astandard caseload of 100 clients.MH28MOBILE HOPE AS CORE NON-PROFIT MOBILE HOPE AS CORE NON-PROFIT Making the CaseMaking the CaseA youth with disabilities inthe MH parking lot searchingfor a place to sleep as sheawaits a shelter bed. A youth with serious mentalillness asleep at the doorawaiting MH to open.

Page 29

How Protocol Impacts Practice How Protocol Impacts Practice Utilized byCoordinated Entryto determine whoqualifies for ashelter bed.(Provided by theContinuum of Care)A deaf, 20 year old African American young man called Coordinated Entry onMay 16. He qualified for a shelter bed on June 24. Prior to shelter bed availability,Mobile Hope and the faith community funded 10 hotel nights. Then, he washoused in MH’s apartment. Because a shelter bed was not available, MobileHope and our faith partners funded more than $3,298 to protect thisvulnerable young man from the dangers of the street and provided vitaldaily support. Protocol:Protocol: Practice: Practice:Only three youth in MH’sprogram have qualified for ashelter bed since 2023.MH29

Page 30

Foster Care * Child Protective Services * Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office * Leesburg Police * PurcellvillePolice Department * Middleburg Police * NorthSprings * Dominion Hospital * Loudoun County PublicSchools * Inova Hospital *Loudoun County Fire & Rescue *Coordinated Entry *Shelter House *Volunteersof America * Animal Shelter * Daycare Centers *WIC * Snap * Aetna * Mosaic * Second Story * Our Lady ofCortona * Catholic Charities * Loudoun Serenity House * Oxford House * Juvenile Detention Center *Adult Detention Center * YMCA * Chris Atwood Foundation * Veterans Services * Armed ServicesRecruiters * Friendship House * Costco * Safeway * Harris Teeter * HOAS * Libraries * Department ofFamily Services * Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Disability Services * Departmentof Aging and Disability Services * Woodrow Wilson Program * Foster Care * Independent Living * RedCross * Healthworks * Free Clinic * Toys for Tots * PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition fromHomelessness) * HATS (Homeless Assistance Team) * Colleges/Universities * LAWS * Loudoun HungerRelief * Good Shepherd * Loudoun County Youth Shelter * Loudoun Cares * Phillips School * Head Start* Loudoun Literacy * Voter Registration * Crossroads Jobs * Workforce Development * BackpackBuddies * PASTA * Synagogues * Mosques * Dulles South Food Pantry * DC Diaper Bank * NorthernVirginia Diaper Bank * Just Neighbors * Ayuda * Legal Services of Northern Virginia * Equality Loudoun *Loudoun County Health Department * Crisis Intervention * ECHO * Friends of Loudoun Mental Health *The ARC of Loudoun * Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging * Adult Protective Services * LoudounVolunteer Caregivers * OAR (Opportunities, Alternatives and Resources) * Ryan Bartel Foundation *Women Giving Back * Loudoun Habitat for Humanity * Tree of Life * Loudoun Leadership * A Place to Be* Mom’s Co * Young Kings * YMSL Young Men's Service League * Better a Life * Restaurants * TowingCompanies * A Farm Less Ordinary * Lasagna Loves * Cakes for Kids * CAIR Coalition * Panera * Pajama *Hiya Baby * Rotary Clubs * Hotels/Motels * Construction Companies * Lawyers/Attorneys *Probation/Parole * Drug Court * Special Olympics * Loudoun Youth * All Ages Read Together * AppleFederal Credit Union * Lions Club * Girl Scouts * Boy Scouts * Eagle Scouts * Hire Ground * Data Centers *Maverick Bikes * Plum Grove Bikes *Partnership for Healthier Families * Local Farms * Dulles SouthSoup Kitchen * Panera * Crumbl Cookies * Starbucks * Project Belong * EYE ( Educating Youth ThroughEmployment) * WIOA (Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act) * Fabioli Cellars * HomeAid * Plato’sCloset * Salesforce * Loudoun County Economic Development * Columbia University * Paul DavisRestoration * Rage Room LLC * Tysons Corner Center * Veros * Old Navy * Vera Bradley * Carters *Washington Commanders * Fire and Rescue * Apartment Complexes * Chick-Fil-A * Transit Services *Olive Garden * Metaphase Consulting * Enterprise * Northwest Federal * Honey Baked Ham * Deloitte *Google * McDonalds * Amazon * Free Masons * Freedom Center * Parks and Rec. * Dulles Town Center * Ashby Ponds * And MoreReferring Agencies & Collaborations Referring Agencies & Collaborations MH30

Page 31

Aligning the Broader SystemAligning the Broader SystemEliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth Eliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth SHELTER BEDS: Homeless youth score low on the vulnerability scale used inLoudoun County’s Coordinated Entry system, leaving homeless youth oftenunqualified for shelter and sleeping on the streets, in tents and cars and onbenches. In 2023, only three of hundreds of our program participants qualified forshelter beds. Shelter is a vital first step in the continuum of care. Reserving apercentage of the shelter beds for each vulnerable population (youth, elderly,etc.) would increase equity. The vulnerability scale used in Loudoun County’sHomeless Shelter can be found on page 29 of this document . YOUTH-CENTERED SHELTER EXPERIENCE: Homeless youth should be shelteredwith their peers rather than older adults to ensure their safety, emotional well-being, and that their developmental needs are met. Youth-specific sheltersprovide an environment tailored to the unique challenges and vulnerabilities ofyoung people, such as age-appropriate counseling, educational support, and peerinteraction. In contrast, shelters that house adults can expose youth to risks such asexploitation, abuse, and negative influences, which can exacerbate their traumaand hinder their development. Covenant House California is a non-profit youthshelter that provides sanctuary and support for youth experiencing homelessness,ages 18-24. By creating dedicated spaces, homeless youth can experience asupportive and nurturing environment that promotes healing, stability, and resultin a smoother transition to independent living and self sufficiency.TRANSITIONS FROM CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES: Interagency coordination priorto release will prevent newly released inmates from arriving on MH’s doorstep.Additional resources, such as halfway houses, should be explored. Newly releasedindividuals who have no support system upon their reentry face higher levels ofrecidivism.Recidivism rates among 18 to 24-year-olds, especially those involved in the criminaljustice system, are notably high. Studies reveal that the majority of youngindividuals who have been incarcerated tend to re-offend. For instance, data showsthat within three years of release, 48.6% of individuals in this age group arerearrested, and within ten years, this rate jumps to 60.7% (Clarke, 2022) .MH31

Page 32

Aligning the Broader SystemAligning the Broader SystemAdditionally, youth recidivism is particularly problematic. A review of state data foundthat 70% to 80% of youth released from correctional facilities are rearrested within twoor three years. Furthermore, 45% to 72% face new adjudications or convictions duringthis period (Mendel, 2023) .The United States Sentencing Commission's report on federal offenders indicatesrecidivism is influenced by factors such as age, with younger offenders being morelikely to re-offend compared to older counterparts. This highlights the need fortargeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by young adults (USSC,2022) .High recidivism rates among 18 to 24-year-olds underscore the importance oftailored rehabilitation programs and support systems to reduce the likelihood ofre-offense and help these young individuals reintegrate successfully into society.Referrals from the legal system, Mobile Hope has helped 793 justice-involved youthwith 41,064 court-mandated community service hours.TRANSITIONS FROM TREATMENT FACILITIES: Interagency coordination prior torelease will prevent newly released patients from arriving on MH’s doorstepunannounced with no historical records. Youth exiting from treatment facilitiesrequire a more structured approach to maintain sobriety. Facing independencewithout consistent and sustainable support leads to resuming old behaviors andpatterns.Exiting treatment facilities presents several barriers for youth. Here are someof the key challenges: 1. Lack of Stable Housing Many youth exiting treatment facilities do not have a stable place to go. Withoutsecure housing, it’s challenging to maintain the progress during treatment andcan quicken relapse (Mendel, 2023) . 2. Limited Support Systems Youth often lack a strong support network after leaving treatment. Familydynamics may be strained, and they may not have other reliable adults for helpand guidance (Mendel, 2023) .MH32Eliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth Eliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth

Page 33

Aligning the Broader SystemAligning the Broader SystemEliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth Eliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth 3. Employment and Education Barriers:Finding and maintaining a job or continuing educationcan be difficult due to gaps in their resume or educationalhistory, stigma associated with treatment, and the need tobalance recovery with these responsibilities (Mendel, 2023) .4. Stigma and Discrimination There is often a stigma attached to receiving treatment forsubstance abuse or mental health issues. This can affecttheir ability to integrate back into society, findemployment, and develop social relationships (Mendel,2023) .5. Mental Health and Relapse:Ongoing mental health issues and the risk of relapse aresignificant challenges. Continued access to mental healthcare and support is critical, but often difficult to maintainpost-treatment due to financial constraints or lack ofservices (USSC, 2022) .6. Financial Instability:Many youth exiting treatment have little to no financialresources. This can lead to difficulties in securing housing,paying for ongoing medical or mental health care, andmeeting daily living expenses (USSC, 2022) .7. Legal Issues:Some youth may have legal issues that need to beresolved, which can complicate their transition back intothe community. This includes outstanding warrants,probation requirements, or the need to clear their criminalrecords to improve employment prospects (Mendel, 2023)MH33

Page 34

Aligning the Broader SystemAligning the Broader SystemEliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth Eliminating Barriers for Homeless Youth 8. Lack of Continued Treatment and Aftercare:Access to aftercare programs and continuedtreatment is essential for sustaining recovery.However, these services are often limited or notcovered by insurance, making it difficult foryouth to get the ongoing support they need .9. Inadequate Life Skills:Youth may lack essential life skills, such asfinancial management, job readiness, and dailyliving skills, which are crucial for independentliving and maintaining a stable lifestyle post-treatment .10. Social Isolation:The transition from a supportive, structuredenvironment in treatment to the often isolatingreality of post-treatment life can be jarring.Building new, healthy social networks takestime and effort, which can be a significantbarrier for many .Addressing these barriers requires a comprehensive,multifaceted approach that includes stable housing,continued access to healthcare and support services,educational and employment opportunities, andstrong support networks.VITAL DOCUMENTS: Shelter, employment andeducation require documents that youth experiencinghomelessness often lack. Other localities haveeliminated the barrier by allowing providers or countiesto produce a letter to receive certified copies of theirbirth certificate.MH34

Page 35

ConclusionConclusionYouth homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that demandsurgent attention and sustained action via consistent funding and systemalignment. By addressing root causes, investing in holistic supportsystems, and fostering collaborative partnerships, we can work towardspreventing youth homelessness, providing timely interventions, andempowering young people to build brighter futures. Making youthhomelessness services a county budget priority is a critical step toaddressing this growing problem in Loudoun County. Together, we cancreate communities where every young person has the opportunity tothrive and a place to call home and a self-empowered future.Without an adequate level of funding for Mobile Hope, an average of 49homeless youth will go unserved each month, 314 court-mandated hoursper month will go unfulfilled, and 782 justice-involved youth will be forcedto perform court-mandated service hours at an alternate site, (Court-mandated volunteers often benefit from Mobile Hope program services). Knowing that the core non-profit services will be decided on this year, weask that you make homeless youth intervention a core service, and MobileHope the chosen provider. MH35

Page 36

References References Administration for Children and Families; Administration on Children, Youth, andFamilies Family and Youth Services Bureau. (n.d.). (rep.). PROMISING STRATEGIES TOEND YOUTH HOMELESSNESS Report to Congress. Retrieved July 18, 2024, fromhttps://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fysb/youth_homelessness.pdf.Auerswald, C. L., Lin, J. S., & Parriott, A. (2016). Six-year mortality in a street-recruitedcohort of homeless youth in San Francisco, California. PeerJ, 4.https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1909Barthel, M. (2024). A snapshot of growing homelessness in wealthy Loudoun County.DCist. https://dcist.com/story/24/01/25/point-in-time-count-homelessness-loudoun-county/CEBC Transition To Independence Tip Model 2 ’ Program ’ Detailed. CEBC " Transitionto Independence Tip Model 2 ’ Program ’ Detailed. (n.d.).https://www.cebc4cw.org/program/transition-to-independence-tip-model-2/detailedChowa, G., Masa, R., Manzanares, M., & Bilotta, N. (2023). A scoping review of PositiveYouth Development Programming for vulnerable and marginalized youth in low-and middle-income countries. Children and Youth Services Review, 154, 107110.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107110Clarke, M. Justice Department Releases Ten-Year Recidivism Study.. JusticeDepartment Releases Ten-Year Recidivism Study | Prison Legal News.https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2022/mar/1/justice-department-releases-ten-year-recidivism-study/DeChants, J.P., Green, A.E., Price, M.N, & Davis, C.K. 2021. Homelessness and HousingInstability Among LGBTQ Youth. West Hollywood, CA The Trevor Project. Dworsky, A., Napolitano, L., & Courtney, M. (2013). Homelessness during the transitionfrom foster care to adulthood. American Journal of Public Health, 103(S2).https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2013.301455 Ferguson, KM. Using the Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) and IndividualPlacement and Support (IPS) models to improve employment and clinical outcomesof homeless youth with mental illness. Soc Work Ment Health. 2013 Sep1;11(5):10.1080/15332985.2013.764960. doi: 10.1080/15332985.2013.764960. PMID:24294127; PMCID: PMC3840385.MH36

Page 37

References References Franke TM, & Anda D. de. (2013). Adolescent Populations: An Overview of Issuesand Social Problems. 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.501Gaetz, S., Bonakdar, A., Ecker, J., MacDonald, C., Ilyniak, S., Ward, A., Kimura, L.,Vijayaratnam, A., & Banchani, E. (2023a). Evaluating the effectiveness of theHousing First for Youth Intervention for Youth Experiencing Homelessness inCanada: Protocol for a multisite, mixed methods randomized controlled trial.JMIR Research Protocols, 12. https://doi.org/10.2196/46690 Graham, K. (2023). As Loudoun's homeless population grows, local nonprofits areconcerned about lack of shelter space. Loudoun Times-Mirror.https://shorturl.at/eALN7Greene, R. (2023). Loudoun homeless count doubles in latest survey. LoudounNow. https://shorturl.at/puxS8LoudounGreene, R. (2017, September 25). Nonprofit study finds safety net holes,recommends grant overhaul. LoudounNow.com.https://www.loudounnow.com/archives/nonprofit-study-finds-safety-net-holes-recommends-grant-overhaul/article_4b51b458-83ec-5d3d-84f4-36148114d1ca.html Grumet, J. G., & Jobes, D. A. (2024). Zero suicide – what about “treat”? Crisis, 45(3),167–172. https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000958 Gwadz MV, Gostnell K, Smolenski C, Willis B, Nish D, Nolan TC, Tharaken M,Ritchie AS. The initiation of homlessness services settings. The Open HealthServices and Policy Journal, 3(1), 80–100.https://doi.org/10.2174/1874924001003010080 ASPE. Interventions for addressing prolonged youth homelessness. (n.d.).https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/interventions-addressing-prolonged-youth-homelessnessHOMELESSNESS IN METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON Results and Analysis fromthe Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of Persons Experiencing Homelessness May2024. Mwcog.org. (n.d.).https://www.mwcog.org/documents/2024/05/15/homelessness-in-metropolitan-washington-results-and-analysis-from-the-annual-point-in-time-pit-count-of-persons-experiencing-homelessness-featured-publications-homelessness/ Hopper, E. K., Bassuk, E. L., & Olivet, J. (2010). Shelter from the storm: Trauma-informed care in homelessness services settings. The Open Health Services andPolicy Journal, 3(1), 80–100. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874924001003010080 Loudoun County. (n.d.) FAQs. https://www.loudoun.gov/Faq.aspx?QID=1317MH37

Page 38

References References Loudoun County Animal Shelter. (2023). Crystal reports - shelter statistics. Loudoun County.https://www.loudoun.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/12805Loudoun County Animal Shelter. (2022). About the department. https://www.loudoun.gov/91/About-the-DepartmentLoudoun County Board of Supervisors. (2023). FY 2024 adopted budget. Loudoun County.https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/176029/FY-2024-Adopted-Budget---Volume-1Mendel, R. (2023, March 27). Why youth incarceration fails: An updated review of the evidence. The Sentencing Project.https://www.sentencingproject.org/reports/why-youth-incarceration-fails-an-updated-review-of-the-evidence/ Morton, M. H., Kugley, S., Epstein, R. A., & Farrell, A. F. (2019). Missed opportunities: Evidence on interventions for addressingyouth homelessness. Chicago, IL: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago. Perlman S, Willard J, Herbers JE, Cutuli JJ, & Eyrich Garg KM (2014). Youth Homelessness: Prevalence and Mental HealthCorrelates. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 5(3), 361–377. JSTOR. 10.1086/677757 Project Hope Virginia: Education for children & youth experiencing homelessness. Virginia. (2024, June 27).https://projecthopevirginia.org/ Reid, J. (2019). The forensic experiential trauma interview (FETI): John E. Reid and Associates, Inc.. The Forensic ExperientialTrauma Interview (FETI) | John E. Reid and Associates, Inc. https://reid.com/resources/investigator-tips/the-forensic-experiential-trauma-interview-feti Recidivism among federal offenders: A comprehensive overview. United States Sentencing Commission. (2022, May 9).https://www.ussc.gov/research/research-reports/recidivism-among-federal-offenders-comprehensive-overview Samuels, G. M., Cerven, C., Curry, S., Robinson, S. R., & Patel, S. (2019). Missed opportunities in youth pathways throughhomelessness. Chicago, IL: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.Six core concepts to see the world in a fuller frame. Full Frame Initiative. (2023, February 13).https://www.fullframeinitiative.org/learn/our-core-concepts/ Semborski S, Redline B, Madden D, Granger T, Henwood B. Housing interventions for emerging adults experiencinghomelessness: A scoping review. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2021 Aug;127:106081. doi: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106081. Epub 2021May 27. PMID: 34421161; PMCID: PMC8372952. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2010). Spotlight on PATH practices and programs:Motivational Interviewing. Rockville, MD: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health ServicesAdministration.Wolfe, D., Treglia, D., Wasch, S., & Greeson, J. (2018). (rep.). Human Trafficking Prevalence and Child Welfare Risk FactorsAmong Homeless Youth A Multi-City Study. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health MH38

Whitepaper by Mobile Hope

Page 1

Page 2