Help Us Raise $120,000 to House Young Adults in Houston

CAMPAIGN STORY - THE NEXT PHASE OF YETS

The Youth Emergency and Transitional Shelter (YETS) program was launched by Building Up The Community in August 2025 after receiving a $500,000 grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

This funding enabled us to open a youth shelter in Fort Bend County to support young adults ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Our shelter houses up to five participants at a time and provides a safe, structured environment where young adults can stabilize their lives through housing, case management, and access to mental health services.

The grant funding for this program ends June 1, 2026. During the time this program has been operating, the impact has been significant.

Through the YETS program and outreach efforts, we have assisted well over 200 young adults aged 18 to 24. Individuals who contacted us outside of that age range were still provided with resources and referrals to help connect them with support.

Within the shelter, we have served 12 residents who have gained access to stable housing, employment opportunities, and critical support services.

Some of the success stories include:

One participant entered through our emergency shelter program and then transitioned into our shelter. Through case management support, she secured employment, purchased a vehicle, and successfully moved into her own place.

Another participant entered our program after experiencing housing instability while at UofH. With support and resources, she found employment and moved into her own housing.

Another participant entered the emergency shelter and later transitioned into our shelter. During her time in the program, she secured employment and was eventually reunited with her family.

One participant was at risk of not graduating from the nursing program at UofH. Through the stability provided by the program, she completed nursing school, passed her licensing exam, and secured employment and housing in another state.

Through our Community Resource Event (CRE), we were able to pay rent and utilities, provide emergency shelter, transportation, child care, and case management to young adults in Fort Bend County. These are just a few examples of the lives that have been impacted through the YETS program.

Now the work continues. After helping more than 200 young adults through our YETS program, we are expanding housing opportunities through the YETS Housing Pathways Program.

THE NEXT PHASE YETS HOUSING PATHWAYS PROGRAM

While the shelter program has been successful, we know the need is much greater than the number of beds we currently have available.

The next phase of this work is the YETS Housing Pathways Program. An Eco Housing System for our young adults.

The goal of the Housing Pathways Program is to expand housing opportunities for young adults ages 18-25 by creating additional housing options throughout Houston.

Phase 1 of the program will allow us to secure and operate four housing locations:

Two homes near the University of Houston for college students experiencing housing instability
Two homes located on bus routes to house young mothers and young women ages 18-25

These homes will provide safe housing along with case management and mental health services to help young adults stabilize, gain employment, continue their education, and transition into independent living.

To launch this next phase, we are raising $120,000.

These funds will allow us to:

Furnish the homes
Pay the rent for several months
Cover utilities and insurance
Provide case management services
Provide mental health therapy
Provide bus passes and transportation support
Provide essential supplies and food support

Another important part of this initiative is creating scholarships and sliding fee options for young adults who cannot afford program fees.

Many of the young adults we serve are working toward stability, but simply do not have the financial resources to pay for housing immediately. Donations allow us to ensure no one is turned away because of financial barriers.

We cannot always depend on grants to sustain programs like this. Unrestricted donations allow us to respond to the real needs of the young adults we serve.

Together, we can provide stability, opportunity, and a pathway forward.

HOW WE REACH $120,000

Large goals can feel overwhelming, but when a community comes together, real change happens.

Here is what it takes to launch Phase 1 of the YETS Housing Pathways Program.

10 sponsors at $5,000 = $50,000
20 supporters at $1,000 = $20,000
50 supporters at $500 = $25,000
250 supporters at $100 = $25,000

Total Goal: $120,000

Every donation helps us move closer to opening safe housing for young adults in Houston.

SPONSORSHIP AND DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor a Room - $5,000

Helps furnish and prepare a room for a young adult entering the program. This includes furniture, bedding, household items, and essential supplies needed to create a safe living space.

Sponsor a Resident - $1,000

Helps cover housing support, case management services, and mental health support for a young adult working toward stability.

Transportation Support - $250

Helps provide bus passes and transportation assistance for work, school, medical appointments, and essential services.

Groceries and Essentials - $100

Helps provide groceries, hygiene products, and daily necessities for young adults transitioning into stable living.

Every donation, regardless of size, directly supports young adults working to rebuild their lives.

CALL TO ACTION

Donate today and help us launch the next phase of the YETS Housing Pathways Program.

Your support helps provide housing, stability, and opportunity for young adults in Houston who are working toward a better future.

To learn more about our organization please visit our website www.buildingupthecommunity.org

YETS Housing Pathways Program

"Where Hope Meets Opportunity"

Team Members