The primary goal of HYS is to ensure that families with children and young adults secure stable housing. The program provides stabilization-focused case management to individual youth and families who are experiencing imminent risk of or literal homelessness. Services are designed to support the entire family—including caregivers and siblings—while promoting safety and long-term security through connections to needed resources. HYS also provides individualized support for youth living independently, recognizing their unique needs and circumstances.

Through this program, case managers can assist with:

• Securing safe, stable, and sustainable housing

• Referrals to mental health and medical services

• Referrals to substance use disorder treatment

• Advocacy for children within schools

• Connections to basic needs such as food, clothing, transportation, and financial assistance

• Advocacy for youth involved in systems such as juvenile justice or child protective services

Effective July 1, 2026 MaineCare* is now required in order to receive Homeless Youth Services, with an age requirement for the identified youth being 20 years old or younger.

*For those referrals who are screened as not having active MaineCare, we will provide guidance/information to help get MaineCare active for the identified youth but will not have capacity to actively support in doing so.