After years of instability and homelessness, a young man takes his first step toward independence thanks to support from YWCA Quad Cities’ Youth & Outreach Program.
Everyone remembers their first place—that feeling of unlocking your own front door, stepping inside, and realizing you’re finally home. For many, it’s a milestone of adulthood and independence.
For 21-year-old Josh, that moment came just a few weeks ago. As he signed the lease to his very first apartment, he wasn’t just gaining a roof over his head—he was gaining something he’d never had before: a place to truly call his own.
Unlike most young adults, Josh had never known the comfort or stability of a home. He grew up in foster care and shelters, moving from place to place. When he came to the Quad Cities nine months ago, he stayed with a friend temporarily, but eventually found himself without a place to go—and without a job. For the past eight months, Josh has experienced homelessness, relying on shelters and friends’ couches to get by.
That’s when he was referred to the YWCA Quad Cities’ Youth & Outreach Program by another community agency. He was quickly connected with one of our dedicated team members, who began helping him access the resources he needed to stabilize his life.
Despite the challenges he faced, Josh never gave up. He took the initiative to search for apartments, secured a new job, and began planning for a more stable future. The YWCA was able to step in with support for rent, other bills, and basic household needs, giving him the boost he needed to make a fresh start.
Josh’s story is one of many we see every day. Just this past month, our Youth & Outreach Program staff assisted with housing four displaced young adults.
Our Youth & Outreach Program is designed to support youth ages 13 to 22 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We can take care of immediate needs, everything from assistance with bills, food, and other basic necessities. YWCA Quad Cities has many community connections and can help with referrals for emergency and long-term housing, emergency child care, and employment.
With the help of staff, community partnerships, and a strong mission, we’re proud to help young people like Josh take those first life-changing steps—keys in hand—toward a brighter future.