Youth Transitional Housing
The Program
A housing program designed to equip unaccompanied, unhoused youth with the life skills and resources necessary for the next stage of life. The program is for homeless youth ages 16 to 24. Youth housing sites are located in Kansas City, KS, Independence, MO, and Overland Park, KS.
What to Expect
Residents are provided a fully furnished, rent- and utility-free apartment for up to two years. Campuses also have laundry facilities and food pantries. While in the program, residents work toward BEEP (Budgeting, Educational, Employment, and Personal) Goals.
Our Expectations
Residents are expected to abide by program and house rules while staying at Hillcrest. These rules include working toward BEEP Goals, attending weekly life skills classes, meeting weekly with the case manager, obtaining a part-time job, contributing to savings and remaining drug- and alcohol-free while in the program.
Learn More
Those interested in learning more about the opportunities that Hillcrest has to offer should contact the case manager at (913) 400-2573 or complete our online application:
- We participate in a combined application for several Youth Transitional Living Programs around the Kansas City area.
- Clicking the button below will take you to a different website to fill out that combined application. (bit.ly/kctlp)
- Please select the "HILLCREST KANSAS" location to make sure we receive your application through this multi-program form.
After submitting your online application, you must call the housing site you selected as your first choice within 24 hours. You must then continue with daily check-in calls to confirm you are still in need of the program. Leave a voicemail with your name, phone number, and where you stayed the night before.
A case manager will contact applicants to schedule an interview. Interviews are scheduled based on the application date and consistency of check-in calls.
Apply for Housing - Youth Program
Be Inspired by These Graduate Stories!
JT's Story
JT graduated from Hillcrest's youth program with extraordinary accomplishments and has continued his path to success.
JT came to Hillcrest from a warming shelter. While living with Hillcrest he prioritized his mental and physical well-being, tackled past debts, and was able to reconnect with his one-year-old daughter. JT began the coursework to obtain his real estate license, is now preparing to take his final exam, and has received a raise along with surpassing 90 days of employment at his new job. He also purchased his own vehicle and is actively looking for a house. He is excited to celebrate his sweet baby girl's second birthday with his own mother, whom he was also able to reconnect with while with Hillcrest. JT is a remarkable young man who came to Hillcrest striving for a better future for himself and his daughter, taking his future into his own hands and utilizing the resources available to him with eagerness.
Pablo's Story
When Pablo came to Hillcrest, he was transitioning out of foster care. During his time at Hillcrest, he enrolled in classes at Johnson County Community College, completing two semesters while juggling employment at JCCC. Through dedicated financial savings and life skills sessions, he made significant strides, obtaining his driver's license and setting aside funds for a car. Pablo also successfully reconnected with his family and eventually secured his own apartment, sharing it with his brother. Pablo accomplished all this while maintaining a savings of over $1,000, showcasing his determination and resourcefulness in building a stable and independent future.
Shakira's Story
Shakira came to the Hillcrest Youth Program seeking a safe space to gain stability for herself and her newborn daughter. Early on in her time with Hillcrest, she proved that she was willing to put in the work to fight for herself and her baby. Of the many obstacles that came her way, Shakira was steadfast in her efforts and never gave up. While in the Youth Program, she started working towards her high school diploma after previously dropping out. She also maintained full-time employment while balancing school and parenting. On top of being a mother, student, and full-time employee, she completed driving school and obtained her driver’s license.
After completing the Youth Program, Shakira utilized Hillcrest’s Rapid Re-Housing Program, and was able to secure an apartment for herself and her daughter to continue working towards their independence.
Diamond's Story
Diamond found Hillcrest through her job at Connect Café. She was working on completing high school while living with a friend’s mom. Diamond was nervous to come to Hillcrest, but we are so glad that she chose to join the program. Diamond has only been here for a little over 90 days and in that time she has achieved so much! She has maintained and improved her employment at Connect Café and they plan to work with her school schedule in order to keep her as a valued employee. She also learned to prioritize her mental and physical health. She graduated from high school and enrolled as a full-time student at UMKC to pursue her degree in Psychology and moved into her own apartment!