START (Supported Transitional Apartments, Resources and Training) provides housing subsidy and assistance to homeless youth. The program helps them develop their independent living skills and obtain other resources while subsidizing their rent. Youth select their own apartments individually in a location convenient to their place of employment/school/training program.

Current Program Goals:

Most of START’s clients have never been outside of Phoenix. One major program goal would be to take the group on a day trip to Sedona to see the sights.

Staff Quote:

“The Start program is one of the most amazing programs I have worked with. The program
 allows us the opportunity to help young adults, who are homeless, get off and stay off the
 streets. They can then work towards being, not only self sufficient but productive citizens.”
 - Debbie Kayatt, Program Manager, START

Client Quote:

“Without START I did not know where to go. They were the compass to get me moving in the
 right direction. The finishing point: my life.”
- Client, START

Volunteer Opportunities:

Guest Speakers - Volunteer to facilitate various groups or projects for young adults on independent living skills such as banking/budgeting, job/employment search and interview, cooking/baking, goal setting and art/crafts. Groups meet every Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm in central Phoenix. The group or project should fit within this three hour time frame but could span more than one group if necessary.