Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP)

The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) is a new effort aimed at ending homelessness among young people.

Need Help Now?

If you’re between 16 and 24 and don’t have a safe place to stay—or know someone who doesn’t—you are not alone, and help is available right now.

Start Here:

  • Call 211 — Talk to someone who can help, 24/7.

  • Visit CPSEMO in Cape Girardeau
    40 S. Sprigg St. | (573) 335-7745

  • Fill out the online form to request help: Submit Here

We'll listen, help you figure out next steps, and get you connected to housing, support, and people who care.

What Is YHDP?

The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) is a network of services for young people in Missouri who are:

  • Sleeping outside, in a car, or a shelter

  • Couch surfing or about to lose their place

  • Fleeing violence or unsafe situations

  • Aging out of foster care or state custody

We help young people find housing and support, no matter where they are in life.

What Kind of Help Is Available?

YHDP can help you with:

  • Safe housing (short-term and long-term)

  • Food and basic needs

  • Help getting documents or IDs

  • Job support and GED programs

  • Counseling or mental health support

  • Family or friend-based housing options

  • Someone to walk with you through the process

Everything is free, and we don’t require you to have a job, be sober, or be in school to get help.

How the Process Works

  1. Reach Out – Visit an access point, call 211, or fill out our form

  2. Meet with a Navigator – Someone will listen, explain your options, and help you create a plan

  3. Get Matched to Housing – Based on your situation, we’ll find the best fit for you

  4. Get Ongoing Support – You’ll have access to case managers, programs, and people who care

You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Who Can Get Help?

You may be eligible if:

  • You’re 16–24 years old

  • You don’t have a safe or stable place to live

  • You’re leaving foster care or state custody

  • You’re staying with someone but it’s not safe or can’t last

  • You’re pregnant or parenting (and not in a child welfare case)

Still not sure? Reach out anyway. We’ll walk through it with you.

Where Services Are Available

YHDP programs are offered in many counties across Missouri. You can get help in:

  • Cape Girardeau and surrounding areas (Regions 1, 6, 7)

  • Columbia and mid-Missouri (Region 5)

  • Lebanon and central Missouri (Regions 8 & 9)

  • Most rural counties across the state (Balance of State)

No matter where you are, we’ll help you find support nearby.

Types of Housing Available

  • Transitional Housing – Live in a safe, supported home while working toward independence

  • Rapid Rehousing – Move into your own apartment with rent covered for up to 24 months

  • Crisis Housing – Short-term hotel/motel or safe family-style housing

  • Host Homes – Stay with someone you trust while we help cover the costs

  • Navigation & Outreach – Support from a caseworker to guide you before, during, and after housing

Need Help for Someone Else?

If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, case worker, or friend who’s worried about a young person:

  • Call 211 – They’ll help you connect the youth to the right program

  • Fill out a referral form on their behalf: Submit Referral

  • Visit our Access Point Directory to contact local agencies

You don’t need to have all the answers—we can help guide you.

Looking for Program Guidelines or Referral Info?

If you're a service provider, case worker, or agency partner, visit our
YHDP Partner & Provider Page for detailed tools, contacts, program standards, and documentation.