SHIP (Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership) of Frederick County’s THRIVE! Host Home Network is a proven service to address the growing youth homelessness issue in the area. Launched in November 2019 with a Multi-Year Grant in the amount of $300,000 to be distributed over a 5-year period, from the Ausherman Family Foundation, the program provides safe, stable housing and comprehensive case management to unaccompanied youth, helping them transition to self-sufficiency. Over the past five years, SHIP aimed to house 180 youth, with increasing enrollment each year.

The THRIVE! program helps young people overcome homelessness by pairing them with carefully vetted host families who offer not just shelter, but a supportive environment. Youth receive personalized case management, focusing on housing, education, employment, and life skills. Despite the challenges of a housing shortage in Frederick County and the complications brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, SHIP has developed creative housing solutions and is expanding its host family network to meet the demand. In addition to providing host homes, SHIP also provides housing via Rapid Rehousing. SHIP’s goal is to provide not just temporary housing, but long-term solutions for youth to build independent, successful futures.

The program follows the Federal Framework to End Youth Homelessness, emphasizing a holistic, youth-centered approach that includes trauma-informed care, positive youth development, and wrap-around services. The THRIVE! model focuses on the youth’s voice in decision-making, ensuring that the program is responsive to their needs. SHIP collaborates with national experts and local partners to continually refine the program and provide the best outcomes for participants.

Melissa Muntz, Executive Director of SHIP, highlighted the importance of supporting youth during critical transitional years: “Many students come to SHIP at a transition point. Maybe they are very close to finishing high school, maybe they have recently enrolled in college, or maybe they are pursuing a trade. The decisions they are making and the education they are gaining during these pivotal years is crucial to reaching their goals. With our help, these students are building the capacity to emerge into adulthood without the constant threat of homelessness lingering over them.”

As THRIVE! grows, SHIP is working to overcome barriers such as transportation, immigration status, and limited space at local schools. The program has partnerships with Hood College, Frederick Community College, and Mount St. Mary’s University to ensure youth have access to affordable education and career development opportunities. SHIP receives ongoing financial support from local foundations and government grants and continues to seek additional funding.

SHIP will continue to provide life-changing support for homeless youth, helping them move towards a future of stability, independence, and success!

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