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:

Through the support of their case managers and encouragement of each other, to create a safe and supportive environment for these young adults to face and overcome their challenges in becoming successful and productive citizens

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 – We are looking for volunteers 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.