Palmetto Place extends programs and housing options for homeless youth

Palmetto Place recently extended the services it offers through its Unaccompanied
Youth Program with the introduction of two new initiatives.
The Aftercare Services Program and Host Home Program will offer ongoing support and transitional
housing options for youth once they have exited the West Columbia-based residential program, which
serves homeless teens ages 16-21.

“We are grateful to have the ability to offer extended support to our unaccompanied youth to foster
self-sustainability and help them reach their goals! These two new programs are a huge step for our
community in the continuing effort to end youth homelessness,” said Jill Lawson, executive director at
Palmetto Place.

The Aftercare Services Program allows residents to connect with and receive support services from a
designated case manager for up to 12 months once they leave Palmetto Place’s Unaccompanied Youth
emergency and/or transitional housing program.
These services include resource navigation, transportation, and ongoing support from a positive adult.
Many of the youth move into college dorms, join the military, attend a career readiness on-site program,
or obtain their own permanent housing while working a full-time job once they leave Palmetto Place.
Although they have achieved stability and permanent housing, youth still need ongoing minimal
support.

The goal of the Host Home Program is to provide homeless youth ages 17-21 with a unique, transitional
housing opportunity that allows them to live and thrive in a safe, supportive home while case managers
work diligently with the youth and host family to develop a permanent housing plan. Host Home families
are carefully identified, trained, and matched with a youth to ensure a successful placement.

Wraparound support is provided by Palmetto Place to both the youth and host family. The program will
begin recruiting and training committed host home families from the community in mid-February.
In 2018, Palmetto Place housed and provided support services to 58 youth. In 2017, Richland One and
Richland Two School Districts identified 129 unaccompanied youth and 349 unduplicated youth received
housing or support services from agencies across the Midlands.
Palmetto Place

Palmetto Place is a home for abused and neglected children and homeless teens from across the state of
South Carolina. Our organization provides a safe and nurturing environment where children have access
to after-school programs, tutoring, recreational and social activities. We offer a broad range of services
that concentrate on personal healing and development including medical attention, mental health care,
crisis adjustment and transitional counseling.