MyPlace Youth Programs

The MyPlace programs prevent youth homelessness while helping young people to achieve their educational and employment goals.  By working with case managers to build self-reliance and independence,  we keep our young participants in safe and secure housing and help them develop into responsible members of the community.

The goal of these programs is to enable participants to live independent, self-sufficient lives. ACTION staff treats the youth with the dignity and respect they deserve, fully recognizing their right to self-determination in choosing where they want to live and what path they want to take in life. We aim to have a positive impact on the broader community by encouraging our young adults to be citizens of their community who vote, support local businesses, work locally, use public transportation, budget correctly and care for their surroundings.

There are numerous programs within MyPlace:

MyPlace Rapid Re-Housing serves young adults aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness by offering a stable living situation in which they can build their education and career skills.  All participants learn how to earn income, build personal and professional skills, and maintain their own permanent housing.

MyPlace Permanent Supportive Housing provides stable housing for participants, eliminating the burden of finding a place to live. This allows the youth to focus on obtaining/remaining in permanent housing, increasing income through stable employment, maximizing their ability to live independently and their quality of life.

Foundation for Independence – Through this program, youth aged 18 1/2 and older who are active with Allegheny County Department of Human Service’s Children Youth and Family (link https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Human-Services/About/Offices/Children,-Youth-and-Families.aspx) (CYF) programs can apply for an apartment with the recommendation of the CYF Caseworker.  ACTION-Housing will review the application, contact the CYF Caseworker, and schedule an interview with the youth.

Youth must have a high school diploma or GED and must be employed in order to be considered.  Youth who are involved in post-secondary education are required to work 20 hours per week.  Youth who are not in post-secondary education are required to work 37.5 hours per week.

The Pathway to Independence Program 

In the Pathway to Independence program, participants learn about topics such as credit management, utilities, fair market value, subsidized housing, and low-income housing along with life skills. These skills help youth in the program to reach long-term goals such as permanent housing, employment, educational, and career achievements.

Contact Information

For more information about MyPlace, please contact Sharon Langford at: (412) 281-2102 x2044 or via email at slangford@actionhousing.org.