Younger than 24 years and help with housing? You’re in the right place.
United Way of King County believes that everyone deserves a safe place to call home. We also know that King County is an expensive place to live, and money spent on one thing means less available for others. If you are a young person 24 years or younger, there are a range of specialized supports and resources available to help.
Youth Diversion Infrastructure Project (YDIP)
For young people exiting a publicly funded system of care (Foster Care, Juvenile Detention and others) flexible funding exists to secure safe and stable housing in a way that works for you.
Additional Resources for Youth
From emergency shelters for young people to rental assistance, food, clothing and more, help is available from many organizations.
Youth Diversion Infrastructure Project
This project provides flexible funding to help young people in King County who are leaving or aging out of systems of care like foster care, juvenile detention, or other programs, avoid homelessness. It aims to provide safe and stable housing in a way that works best for your life and goals within 30 days.
Click here if you are a case manager representing a young person.
Who qualifies?
To qualify for YDIP assistance, you must:
- You must be 24 years old or younger when you apply.
- You must be leaving or have recently left a publicly funded program like foster care, juvenile detention, or another care system.
- You must be at risk of homelessness or not have stable housing.
- You need to apply by contacting a YDIP community-based organization or service provider.
What the program does:
The program provides approved applicants flexible funds to expense anything that results in housing outside of the emergency homeless system within 30 days of payment. These funds can cover expenses like:
Security deposits
Storage fees
Rental assistance
Eviction prevention
Moving assistance
Utility assistance
Relocation costs
Application fees
Other housing-related needs as defined by youth
How does it work?
Participating YDIP community-based organizations
These organizations have staff trained in applying for YDIP funding. Only your system of care discharge planner or a representative from one of these organizations can apply for YDIP funding on your behalf.
Community Organizations
FAQs
What is YDIP?
YDIP stands for the Youth Diversion Infrastructure Project. It’s a program that helps young people leaving a system of care find and secure permanent housing.
What is a publicly funded system of care?
A publicly funded system of care is a network of services paid for by the government to support people in need, such as foster care, juvenile detention, or behavioral health programs. These services are funded by taxes.
How do I know if I am eligible?
You’re eligible if you:
- Are under 25 years old
- Live in King County
- Are leaving or have recently left a system of care
- Are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness
How quickly will I receive assistance?
If you qualify, YDIP administrators aim to provide support within 72 hours of your initial request.
What can I use the funds for?
You can use the funds for various housing-related expenses that help you secure safe and stable housing within 30 days. Creativity in how you use the funds is encouraged.
What happens if I can’t secure housing within 30 days?
If housing isn’t secured within 30 days, YDIP and community-based providers will keep working with you to find a solution and connect you with additional resources.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, the funds you receive from YDIP do not need to be repaid.
How do I apply?
You can’t apply on your own. You’ll need to talk to a community organization or a staff member from a system of care who can connect you with YDIP and apply on your behalf.
What if I don’t qualify for YDIP?
If you don’t qualify for YDIP, there are other resources in King County that offer different kinds of housing assistance.
If you have any questions, please reach out to ydip@uwkc.org.
Additional resources for youth
Youth Shelters
Youth resources: Provides resources based on need and can filter location, need, etc.
Roots: Provides resources to youth services such as shelters, healthcare, case management, and more.
Youthcare: Provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, education, and employment.
The Sophia Way: Provides shelter and housing services for young women and families experiencing homelessness.
Rental Assistance
Solid Ground: Offers housing stabilization, rent assistance, and eviction prevention services for youth.
Wellspring Family Services: Provides housing assistance, rent support, and counseling services for families and youth.
Food and Clothing
List of food banks in King County: Northwest Harvest: Provides food through various programs to help youth and families facing food insecurity in Washington State.
Teen Feed: Provides nightly meals, case management, and supportive services to homeless youth in Seattle.
Mary’s Place: In addition to shelter, Mary’s place provides food, clothing, and essential services for homeless families and youth.
School and Employment
Seattle Education Access (SEA): Provides education support, GED preparation, and pathways to college for homeless and underserved youth. seattleeducationaccess.org
YouthCare Employment & Education Programs: Offers job training, internships, and education support for homeless youth (ages 16-24).
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle: Focuses on education, employment, and housing for underserved and youth of color, with programs aimed at self-sufficiency.
Reclaiming Our Greatness: Provides mentorship, leadership development, and personal growth programs for Black youth, including those impacted by homelessness.
Seattle Youth Employment Program: Provides paid internship for youth.
Health care
Teen Link: Teen Link is a confidential and anonymous helpline for teens. Call or text between the hours of 6:00pm – 9:30pm. 866-833-6546
Orion Center: Provides medical care and mental health care. Green building on the corner of Denny and Stewart; bus routes: 8, 10, 43, 60, 1828 Yale Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Free youth clinic locations (check website for opened time)