HAY Center Foundation

The HAY Center Housing Continuum helps youth find and apply for safe, stable housing that meets their educational, employment, and mental health needs and goals. In addition to the HAY Center's wrap-around services, the youth participating in the Housing Continuum receive housing readiness, navigation, and case management services. The goal is for the youth to be prepared to obtain their housing and live independently.Continued on Schedule Oo The Bridge Housing program provides youth with a rent-free place to live while participating in intensive case management, wrap-around services, and advanced life skills training. Youth work towards obtaining employment and/or training to gain marketable job skills while learning to live independently.o Housing Options: Housing vouchers through a public/private venture between the HAY Center, the HAY Center Foundation, and local housing authorities, youth apply for housing vouchers through the local housing authorities. Navigation Services youth work with the Housing Navigator to locate affordable housing that fits their budget.o Rental/Utility Assistance: The HAY Center Foundation assists with the payment of deposits, first month's rent, utility assistance, and rental expenses.o HAY Center Campus is being developed through another public/private venture. The Campus will consist of a housing and services complex specifically designed to meet the needs of transitioning youth. The Campus will further expand housing options at a location where youth can conveniently receive HAY Center services and participate in experiential training opportunities to promote independent living skills. The HAY Center Foundation provides a grant to Harris County to support construction of The HAY Center Campus.

The HAY Center Foundation's support of the Education and Workforce programs fills the gaps where public contracts do not allow funding. Youth receive support (books and fees, tuition, training, uniforms) to work towards and accomplish their education and employment goals.Education: College Tours allow juniors to explore their post-secondary education options, allowing for advanced planning ahead of graduation. College Bound Experience offers a simulated first-day-of-college interactive event for youth heading off to college. Continued on Schedule OWorkforce: Job training and viable employment options are necessary for a youth's successful transition to independence. The HAY Center hosts a Summer Jobs Program, offering youth aged 16 through 20 the opportunity to participate in first-time employment and develop their soft skills with the support of a workforce team that provides onsite case management. The Workforce Team also partnered with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to offer the Texas Works Paths to Success (TWPS) training at the HAY Center. The youth will enter employment as a Texas Works Advisor I with the State of Texas upon completion of the training period. Financial Management workshops are provided to all youth participating in these employment programs.