Programs & Services
Through a combination of site-based and community-based projects spread over seven counties, Shaw House provides preventative and emergency services to youth between the ages of 10 and 24 who are at risk of, or who are currently experiencing, homelessness.
Streetlight Outreach is a mobile based program providing access to basic needs including shelter. If you are between the ages of 10 and 20 years old, and disconnected from your family and other support systems, Streetlight can support you by helping you to find somewhere to stay, getting your basic needs met, as well as targeted case management to help you get the services and support that you need.
Mobile Diversion and Navigation services provide community-based, short-term support to youth ages 16 to 24 who are currently homeless and in need of support identifying an alternative to the streets and shelter system.
Mediation services are available to youth between the ages of 10 and 24 and their natural supports. These services are available virtually through Zoom or similar programs, on-site through our Day Program and Transitional Living Program, as well as within the community at a place most comfortable for the youth and their family. The goal of mediation is to repair, rebuild, and support the relationships within a young person’s life, allowing for re-integration into their natural support system.
McKinney Vento/Educational Support services are available to all students grades Pre-K to 12th grade who are experiencing housing insecurity, and their families. Our community-based McKinney-Vento liaison provides advocacy and support with enrollment, transportation, and best-interest determinations for students designated as eligible for McKinney-Vento services.
Our emergency services are available to youth aged 10 to 20 on a 24-hour basis, 7 days a week. This ensures that when you need help, we will always be available to try and meet your needs.
The Emergency Shelter is open from 7pm to 8am and is a safe place to be overnight for youth aged 10 to 20 that are fleeing domestic violence, and are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The shelter provides youth with food, water, a bed, shower, and access to laundry facilities and basic clothing. The shelter refers youth to resources, like the Day Program, that can help them meet needs beyond the basics.
The Day Program is open from 8am to 7pm and provides youth aged 10 to 20 with a safe alternative to the streets during daytime hours as well as food, clothing, and access to showers and laundry facilities. The Day Program also provides experienced, open and friendly staff to help you stay in school and also overcome your homeless situation through the use of mediation with natural supports, targeted case management services, and referrals to other services and supports that you need.
A variety of congregate, shared, and independent housing opportunities are available for youth aged 16.5 to 24 who wish to reside in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Aroostook, Washington, or Hancock County. Through both master leasing and agency subsidized rental assistance, young people have access to transitional beds when needed, and can then seamlessly transition to a permanent housing placement when they are ready. All community based housing opportunities include dedicated support services, including assistance with developing independent living skills and targeted case management.
Mason Place Transitional Living Program is an 8 bed, 18-month, congregate housing program for homeless young people aged 16.5 to 20. Mason Place provides 24 hour on-site staffing and on-site Case Management. In addition to working or attending school, Mason Place maintains an expectation for all youth to participate in chores, group activities, and skill-building opportunities that will increase success with future independent living.
Community-based Transitional Housing units are agency-leased and available for youth aged 18 to 24. Each furnished two-bedroom unit is shared between 2 youth. Youth enrolled in transitional housing make income-driven rental contributions and have access to ongoing support services such as assistance with food and technology for educational or vocational needs. They also have access to skill-building opportunities and intensive one-on-one and group support to set and achieve their permanency goals.
Rapid Re-Housing provides flexible, low barrier rental assistance to youth aged 18 to 24 (or emancipated minors) who want to live in their own apartment. Youth receive support with the lease-up process and assistance with basic furnishings. As lease-holders, youth make income-driven rental payments directly to their landlord and also have access to on-going support services including assistance with basic needs and other expenses related to independent living, education or vocational goals.
Housing Navigation services are provided in partnership with Maine State Housing Authority and work to transition youth into their own, leased apartment. Services include access to statewide rental subsidies to assist with paying all or a portion of their rent, as well as financial & consumer education, assistance with the lease-up process, and ongoing Case Management and community support once the youth is housed. Navigator services are provided to all youth between the ages of 10 and 24, although a youth must be over 18, or an emancipated minor, to enter into their own lease agreement.