ARE YOU…

• Between the ages of 18 and 24?
• Experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless very soon?
• Interested in supportive services that are focused on getting you housed?

You may qualify for our Young Adult Rapid Re-housing (YARR).

What is YARR?

VOANNE’s YARR is proud to be Maine’s first statewide youth homeless service provider.

YARR is an initiative designed to prevent and end Young Adult (YA) homelessness. Our YARR team carries out this mission by providing housing-focused supportive services to homeless YA ages 18-24 throughout the entire state of Maine.

Each YA works with our Housing Navigator to create an individualized housing plan that addresses 3 key areas: housing identification, move-in support, and maintaining housing.

This program partners with Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) provided by MaineHousing and landlords throughout the state of Maine to secure affordable apartments with YA who are ready and willing to do the work to attain independence. YARR offers Rent Smart training to all program participants.

While enrolled in this program YA have the opportunity to regularly meet with and utilize our Housing Navigator and Youth Ambassador to address client-driven housing needs and goals for up to 24 months. Our team can support YA in developing the skills necessary to maintain housing through connections to education, employment, job training, counseling, social service assistance, access to benefits, community resources, referrals to providers, support system development, landlord relationships, lease renewal, MaineHousing coordination, and annual voucher recertification.

Each year, our team aims to assist 25 YA on their housing journey. 

YARR Team:

The YARR team is committed to honoring YA choice, fair housing, housing first, nondiscrimination, low barrier access, evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development. The YARR team includes a Program Manager, Housing Navigator, and Youth Ambassador. Our team is listed below with some of their responsibilities.

• Lead Housing Coordinator – Jessica Sanfasin: Program management, coordinated entry, assessment/intake, voucher application 
• Housing Navigator – Ravon Palmer: MaineHousing & voucher coordination, housing search, applications, lease-up, move-in, continued support, and referrals/connection to resources.
• Youth Ambassador – Brittney Chapman: Peer support, RentSmart training, resource, and donations coordination.

Where can I get YARR Services?

The YARR team provides support to YA statewide. This means YA can be anywhere in Maine when they start working with us and we can help them with housing anywhere in Maine they choose to live.

Meetings are held virtually so YA do not have to worry about transportation or getting to a specific location at a certain time to meet with us. Our team is available by phone, email, and Zoom/virtual platforms, which allows us to be more flexible and accessible.

How long are YARR Services?

YA are enrolled in YARR once MaineHousing approves the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV). Once approved our YARR supportive services are available for up to 24 months.

MaineHousing Vouchers can be used for as long as the YA needs and qualifies. YA can keep the voucher even after this program ends.

Click here for more information about the Housing Choice Voucher.

Who qualifies for YARR services?

• Young Adults ages 18-24
• Willingness to work with the YARR team.
• Meet 1 of the HUD eligibility criteria of homelessness.
  • Literal Homelessness – Currently experiencing homelessness.
  • Imminent risk of being homeless within 14 days
  • Actively fleeing or attempting to flee dangerous situations related to violence that has taken place in their home or made them afraid to return home, including lack of other residence and resources or support networks to obtain permanent housing.

Our team will work with YA to determine if they meet MaineHousing HCV requirements and are eligible for a voucher. Documentation for all household members, income information, and current living situation help to figure out if they are eligible and ready to apply or not.

MaineHousing – Housing Choice Voucher Requirements

• United States citizens or select non-citizens who have eligible immigration status
• Consent for background check
• Income limits
  • Income limit guide – Effective April 1, 2024
• Documentation: Physical forms are required for all household members
  • Birth Certificate
  • State ID/license or passport
  • Social Security Card
  • Income (Four weeks of pay stubs, TANF, SNAP, SSI, SSDI)

Click here for a list of accepted documentation

How can I access YARR?

YA who would like to be considered for this program (and other youth programs) will need to complete an assessment.

To be assessed by a member of our team fill out the Request for Youth Coordinated Entry Assessment online form. We will call within 3 business days.

Once assessed YA are added to a list. When there is an opening the YA will be contacted to enroll in YARR.

This YARR will not be able to move forward until all documentation is received. Please make sure you have documentation for all household members.