8/17/2005
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-6709 |
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Mayor, community to launch innovative program that helps former foster kids on the brink of homelessness
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson will join representatives from West Indianapolis Development Corp. and the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center to kick off a new program that will provide transitional housing and support services for former foster care youth released from the state’s care at the age of 18.
When: Today, Aug., 17
1:30 p.m.
Where: Fostering Independence residence, 1855 W. Morris St.
Over the next ten years, about 1,000 young adults in Marion County will age out of foster care, and without the benefit of family, they face a number of difficulties in making the transition to adulthood. National studies have shown that many former foster kids leave the state system without the education or life skills needed to succeed, and nearly 40 percent become homeless or are incarcerated within 18 months.
The new program is part of the Mayor’s Blueprint to End Homelessness, a bold and aggressive plan to stem the tide of homelessness through intervention and prevention. The Blueprint cited a need for housing, supportive services and other initiatives targeted toward at-risk populations, including youth leaving the foster care system.
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