In this interview, Kenya Anderson, manager of youth services and case management at Indiana Youth Group (IYG), discusses the importance of programs like Project Prism.
Launched in October of 2020, Project Prism was the first rapid rehousing project of its kind focused specifically on serving LGBTQ+ young adults. It has since become the largest rehousing provider in central Indiana. The program aims to assist clients in getting off of the streets and into long-term housing of their own choice. In addition to stable, permanent housing, Project Prism also provides education and employment support, basic needs accessibility, mental health and wellness care, community relationship building, and case management.
“I’m Kenya Anderson, my pronouns are she/her. I am the manager of Youth Services and Case Management Supervisor over Project PRISM.
Homelessness is on the rise, there is a greater percentage of homeless youth in the LGBTQ+ community. A lot of times what we’re seeing is parents, as soon as they turn 18, they have already let them know; “because I don’t agree with your lifestyle you’re going to be put out.”
They’ll be put out of their homes with no preparation, no planning, the parents don’t give them time to save or find a place, they couldn’t care less. We have a center here for our youth, 12-18 years old, and we provide basic needs. We provide food, hot meals, games, programing, and support groups for the youth.
“At the end of the day, we’re just all people and everybody needs compassion. Everybody needs love and everybody needs support.”
We also have a young adult program called Project PRISM. One of the things we’re big on is building those basic skills because they they’re young people. It’s not just that we’re paying their bills for them, but we’re also making sure after those two years are up, they have the skills to support themselves. So they’re not finding themself in homelessness after the two years.
At the end of the day, we’re just all people and everybody needs compassion. Everybody needs love and everybody needs support.”
To learn more about Indiana Youth Group and their initiatives, click here.
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