Adolescent Housing Hub FAQs
- What is the Adolescent Housing Hub?
- What happens when I call PerformCare?
- How can I get to a program?
- Do I have to pay rent?
- Do I have to work or go to school?
- Can I have a pet?
- Adolescent Housing Hub Program Descriptions
- Housing resources beyond age 21
- Important Links
What is the Adolescent Housing Hub?
The Adolescent Housing Hub (AHH or the Hub) is a real-time database designed to assist youth with placement in a transitional or permanent housing program. The AHH program is managed by the Office of Adolescent Services under the Department of Children and Families. AHH services are available to eligible homeless youth, youth at risk for homelessness, and youth aging out of the child welfare system, ages 18 – 21 years. Youth may contact PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624 24 hours a day to find out about housing and supports available to help.
What happens when I call PerformCare?
When you call PerformCare at 1-877-652-7624, you will be asked a series of questions about yourself, your current living situation and needs for housing. Based on the details given and your eligibility, your name will be posted on the secure Adolescent Housing Hub and the name and contact information for three (3) housing programs will be given for you to follow up. Housing programs may also contact you directly as well in order to set up a date for an interview.
Most of the programs are within walking distance of public transportation. If you are a DCF involved youth, your case worker or care manager can transport you to the program. If you are not a DCF-involved youth and you are not able to access public transportation, be sure to inform the housing program that you are in need of transportation to the program. Not all programs are able to transport youth.
Every program has different requirements. You may be required to pay rent or a program fee monthly. You will need to follow up with the housing program for further details on what costs are involved. This amount should be no more than 30% of your gross income.
Do I have to work or go to school?
Each program requires that you become employed and/or go to post-secondary or vocational training if you have a high school diploma or GED. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, the housing program will assist you in enrolling and obtaining your diploma or GED.
Most programs do not allow pets. Check with your program.
Adolescent Housing Hub Program Descriptions
Supervised Transitional Living Program (STLP)
A licensed, supervised, time-limited housing program with supported services targeted for youth ages 18 to 21. Youth are eligible to enter the program up until age 20 ½ and can remain in the program up until their 21st birthday. Homeless and/or DCF-involved youth ages 18 to 21 are eligible.
The STLP is designed to assist youth with learning daily living and life skills, obtaining employment, furthering their education, and preparing them for independent living, reunification with family, or another permanency arrangement. The length of stay in an STLP is typically 18 to 24 months. Youth participation in program services is a mandatory requirement to maintain residency in the program.
Transitional Living Program (TLP)
A non-licensed, semi-supervised, time-limited housing program with supported services targeted for homeless and/or DCF-involved youth ages 18 to 21. Youth are eligible to enter the program up until age 20 ½ and can remain in the program up until their 21st birthday.
The program is designed to assist youth with learning daily living and life skills, obtaining employment, furthering their education, and preparing them for independent living, reunification with family, or another permanency arrangement. The length of stay in a TLP varies by program. Youth participation in program services is a mandatory requirement to maintain residency in the program.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
A non-licensed, permanent housing program with voluntary supported services targeted to homeless and/or DCF-involved youth ages 18 to 21. Youth must enter the program on or before their 21st birthday and are eligible to remain beyond age 21. The length of stay in a PSH program is not time-limited.
The provision of housing is not contingent on utilizing services, however there may be service requirements related to the housing subsidy utilized in the program. Youth in PSH programs have a lease or sublease. Youth/tenants pay some portion of their income toward rent, not to exceed 30 percent. Provider agencies are responsible for using appropriate and ongoing engagement strategies to all tenants, even those refusing services.
|
Housing Model |
Housing Type |
Age Range |
Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
|
STLP |
Supervised |
18-21 |
18-24 Months |
|
TLP |
Semi-supervised |
18-21 |
Varies by Program |
|
PSH |
Permanent |
18-21 |
Not Time Limited |
Housing resources beyond age 21
- Homeless Management Information system (HMIS).
HMIS displays shelter and transitional bed openings across New Jersey for adult and registered youth populations. - New Jersey Housing Resource Center.
The New Jersey Housing Resource Center is a free online searchable registry of affordable and accessible housing units throughout New Jersey.
- New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Office of Adolescent Services.
The mission of the DCF Office of Adolescent Services (OAS) is to support adolescents in the transition to adulthood to achieve economic self-sufficiency, interdependence, and engage in healthy life-styles. - New Jersey Department of Children and Families, Office of Advocacy.
The Office of Advocacy assists the Department of Children and Families in its mission to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children and to support families by providing information, referral and advocacy services. - 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline.
2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. They can help you find solutions to the problems that you face and are available 24/7 365 days a year, at 1-888-222-2228. - NJ Helps.
The NJ Helps Services Home Page is designed to give consumers a “one-stop” shopping resource for the wide range of programs, information and services provided by the Department of Human Services and its partners, to assist individuals, families and communities in throughout the State of New Jersey. - NJ Youth Resource Spot (NJYRS).
Check out NJYRS for the latest on resources, opportunities, news, and events for young people in New Jersey. Search for statewide resources or filter by your specific county to find resources ranging from health care and mental health to life skills and employment programs. - NJ 211.
NJ 211 can help you find solutions to personal needs by informing you of resources in your community like day care facilities, shelters, affordable housing units, social services, employment training programs, senior services, medical insurance, and more.
More information about PerformCare's non-discrimination standards (PDF).