Do my parents have to know I am a resident of the Interim Housing Program at Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town?
If you are younger than 18, the law says we must get permission from your parent
or guardian. If you are 18 or older, your parents or guardians do not need to
know.
Does my school have to know I am a resident of the Interim Housing Program at Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town?
No. However, the Chicago Public Schools have a program for homeless youth, which
can help make your situation easier. A homeless student can get transit cards
and doesn’t have to pay fees.
Can I come back after I leave the Interim Program at Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town? How many times?
Yes. If space is available, you can come back up to two times, depending on the
reason you leave and your past behavior.
What do you have to eat?
Three balanced meals and two snacks daily.
What can I bring with me?
Storage space is limited. You can bring clothes to last 1-2 weeks and a few other
personal items.
Do you have laundry facilities in the building?
Yes.
Do residents get their own room?
No. Our rooms are for 2 people, with cribs for infants and toddlers.
Can residents of Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town keep pets?
Because some people may have allergies, we do not permit animal companions at
any of our youth housing programs. If a resident requires a service animal (such as a seeing eye dog),
special arrangements can be made.
Can residents of the Interim Housing Program at Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town bring their children?
Yes.
Can boyfriends and girlfriends come together?
If space is available, yes. However, you will not be able to share a room.
Also, our rules prohibit sexual contact at any of our youth housing programs.
Can friends come together?
If space is available, yes. However, you will not be able to share a room.
Also, our rules prohibit sexual contact or conduct at any of our youth housing programs.
What’s the curfew?
8 pm. Exceptions may be made if you’re working late or going to night
school. Mothers must put their children to bed at 9 pm and stay with them after
that. You will also be expected to home for dinner at 6 pm.
If I work, how do I save money?
You’ll be required to save 60% of your income while a resident in our Interim Housing Program.
It will be returned to you when you leave. You’ll work with a staff member
to do a budget for the rest of your income. You’ll pay for your own transportation,
clothes, personal products, and entertainment. Eligible residents receive a
weekly allowance of $5, earned through chores.
Do you drug test?
Yes, we drug test randomly. Testing is done in private, conducted by a staff
person of the same gender as the resident. In the case of positive test results,
your Case Manager will work with you to create a plan to address substance
use. You’ll have to follow the plan in order to stay a resident of the Interim Housing Program at Open Door Youth Shelter - West Town.
Where do I go when the 120 days are up?
Throughout the interim program, we work to prepare you for leaving. We refer
you to a longer-term program, help you save to get your own apartment, or help
reunite you with family if it is safe.
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