Our monthly MAGLCC spotlight interview in this issue features Blaine Proctor, who is SAVE’s CEO.
Last year, Proctor was enthusiastic about a new housing voucher program for HIV-positive youth. In that interview, he said: “Many statistics show the HIV diagnosis is growing the fastest in the youth population, and homeless youth is a huge focus for HUD. Once these kids are diagnosed with HIV, they typically fall out of care the easiest. So we’re excited to be offering housing and services for that population.” (Read that interview at https://goo.gl/3LyQKL.)
Jennifer Russo, program manager at SAVE, updated me recently on the agency’s youth housing voucher program.
She said the program is currently full, with 22 youth housed in scattered sites within the Kansas City area.
To be admitted into the program, Russo said, applicants must be ages 18-24; must be HIV/AIDS positive; must be homeless and have no or low income; and must have a mental health or chronic substance use diagnosis.
It is a 24-month, tenant-based rental assistance program, providing vouchers to the youth. The clients locate their own housing within their voucher limits.
Applicants need a referral from a case manager to access the program, Russo said, but it is not a requirement for clients to remain in services once housed. The case manager would contact the program manager of intake and quality management at SAVE to submit the referral to apply.
This program for youth is yet one more way that your support of SAVE Inc. can help the underserved communities of Kansas City. We hope you will be able to attend “Spotlight.” Please also consider including this organization in your charitable giving.
Spotlight - Time to Shine
Saturday, October 14, 2017. 8 p.m. - Midnight
Studio Dan Meiners
2500 West Pennway
Kansas City, MO 64108
Tickets: $75 advance, $85 at door. save.ejoinme.org/homecoming