I Am FOUNDATION

The I Am Foundation offers a comprehensive continuum of services to young people between the ages of 14 to 21 who are unstably housed or experiencing homelessness. Beyond meeting youth’s immediate needs, our services provide youth with all the tools and support they need to succeed: stable housing; access to employment and education opportunities; primary and mental health care; lasting connections with caring adults, and skills to live a healthy and independent life.

 

We work with each young person individually to help them overcome trauma and hopelessness while working toward becoming a self-sufficient adult. Our all-inclusive model includes transitional and independent living options, and well as community-based programming to connect with a support youth crisis- all trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive. We make a strong obligation to putting young people on a path to reaching their full potential.

 

Outreach

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Street & Community Outreach Program: The I Am Foundation outreach program works in the Southside, Westside, and Eastside areas of Chattanooga to build relationships with young LGBTQ people whom may be experiencing homelessness, connect them to community resources and the full array of the I Am Foundation programs, meet their immediate needs, and provide crisis intervention.

 

Drop-In Resource Center: The future Raynor & Deborah Davis Drop-In Resource Center will be a safe, welcoming space youth can come to whenever they feel the need. A full continuum of services will be available under one roof including housing placement, life skills programming, employment support and financial literacy, primary health care, mental health/substance use assessment and treatment, and childcare.

 

Southside Youth Shelter: The future Southside Youth Shelter, will provide minor youth ages 14 to 17, with a safe, supportive, and temporary place to stay while efforts are made to reunite them with their families or secure alternative living arrangements. This 4-bed emergency shelter meets the basic needs of youth and will provide housing, crisis intervention, and case management.

 

Avondale House: The future Avondale House, will offer a 24-bed transitional living program for young people between the ages of 17 and 21. These youth may stay at Avondale House for up to 18 months and will be engaged in productive activities including school, employment, and life skills training. With staff support, Residents/clients of the Avondale House will create Individual Action Plans which will serve as a road map to help their goals while residing at Avondale House.