With the support of the Saul Alexander Foundation, Florence Crittenton Programs of SC (FCP) has launched a pilot program to expand outreach, housing, and support services for pregnant and parenting youth in the Lowcountry. The $50,000 grant will go towards supporting FCP’s new Host Homes program, a community and volunteer based response to pregnant youth homelessness.
“Young women who give birth in high school are 10 times more likely than their peers to experience homelessness and our home in downtown Charleston is not able to serve all who need our assistance”, said Cheryl O’Donnell, Florence Crittenton Executive Director. “We are grateful to the Saul Alexander Foundation for their support as we try new approaches to ensure more young mothers and their children have access to safe housing and support services.”
Host Homes recruit and train local families who can offer a spare bedroom and encouragement to an unhoused, pregnant or parenting youth. Working hand-in-hand with Florence Crittenton staff, hosts support youth in achieving goals in job training, education, parenting, budgeting, and other life skills. Youth ages 16-21 are eligible for the Host Homes program for up to 18 months. The Saul Alexander Foundation grant allows FCP to draw funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to pilot the program for 3 years.
“When our local communities contribute to the well-being of youth, it cultivates a sense of purpose and extends benefits both ways. These relationships are extremely important for society at large. They can help ensure that vulnerable youth receive the kind of attention and mentoring they often lack, especially among our young families with the greatest needs.” – Jkeonye Moss, Host Home Director.
Florence Crittenton Programs of SC was founded in 1897 when a group of altruistic volunteers came together and opened their homes to single pregnant women and mothers in need. 126 years later, Florence Crittenton continues its mission to provide hope, safety, and opportunity so that every child and family served gains a sense of self-worth and the ability to achieve their full potential.
Florence Crittenton is currently recruiting hosts. Hosts are screened, trained, and provided support to ensure that they meet the youth’s needs. For more information, visit our website florencecrittentonsc.org/host-homes.
Located in downtown Charleston, SC, Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina has been serving the entire state of South Carolina since 1897. Florence Crittenton’s mission is to provide
hope, safety, and opportunity to young women in order to instill self-worth and self-sufficiency. Florence Crittenton operates a licensed residential group home that provides comprehensive services to pregnant and parenting teens, as well as girls in foster care. We also offer housing assistance and home visitation services to help young mothers in Berkeley, Charleston, and
Dorchester counties achieve self-sufficiency.
