Non-profit helps put an end to youth homelessness
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local non-profit is doing more than just helping homeless youth in NEPA, they’re actually housing them as well.
The organization now owns an apartment building to provide affordable housing to those who need it.
Although the building at 1330 Pine Street in Scranton is still a work in progress, it is now owned by NEPA Youth Shelter who is ready to put it to use.
They are hoping to end youth homelessness in the area one young adult at a time.
Maureen Maher-Gray bought this apartment complex in the hill section of Scranton in December.
She didn’t buy it for herself she has opened the space to give others a place to call home.
“Our goal is to end youth homelessness if we can, but it’s gonna take the community to help make situations like this happen so that they have a safe and secure place to live,” said Maher-Gray.
Naloxone kits to be distributed to combat opioid epidemic
Maher-Gray founded a local non-profit, Nepal Youth Shelter, six years ago with the goal of helping homeless adolescents in the area.
The re-housing program has always been a part of her vision, but with rising costs of rent, they almost had to put an end to it.
That’s when the organization decided to buy its own place to provide housing.
“We can’t afford $850, $900, plus utilities for one kid. This building was perfectly suited for what we needed,” says Maher-Gray.
The house holds three apartments and five bedrooms.
The first-floor apartment is still a work in progress but will be available soon to someone who needs it.
“This is not a housing program for a kid who’s mad at their parents or a parent who’s mad at their kid. This is for a kid who literally has been removed or forced to leave their living arrangement,” explained Maher-Gray.
The program welcomes any homeless youth from ages 18 to 21 to fill out an application, taking priority on those who are still in high school to ensure they graduate.
By the end of the 12-month re-housing program, the young adults walk away with much more than a roof over their heads.
“By the end of the program, they’re paying 100% of their rent and then we teach them about how to look for a new apartment when they leave our program. So they’re more informed and they’re more intelligent about the choices that they make when they move on,” continued Maher-Gray.
The non-profit hopes to have the lower apartment open by the end of the summer.
To donate to Nepa Youth Shelter to help them in their mission, visit their website.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
