Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY)

An Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY) is a minor who is not in the care of their legal guardian. These youth may lack stable housing and need additional support to access resources.

If you are an unaccompanied homeless youth or know someone who is, assistance is available. Support can include access to shelters, food, school resources, showers, community programs, and free college tuition through the Maryland Tuition Waiver for Homeless Youth.

For help with UHY support, review the information below or contact our team for guidance.

Child Protective Services

If you are 17 or younger and don’t have a safe place to sleep, help is available right now. Call Child Protective Services at 800-917-7383.

They will connect you with Family Preservation to make sure you have a safe place and the support you need, you do not have to be on the streets.

Website: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/social-services/services/child-adult-family-services/family-preservation

Emergency Shelter Hotline

If you are 18 and up, call the Emergency Shelter Hotline at 888-731-0999. Say, “My name is (state your name)”, then explain exactly what happened. For example, “My mother told me to get out of her house, and I am not allowed to come back.”

Youth Vital Documents

Are you a young person in need of Vital Documents such as a birth certificate, or an ID? If so, contact I AM HERE. This organization will assist you in getting the documents that you need to remain self-sufficient.

Call or text 1-888-870-3627

Website: https://nn4youth.org/programs/vital-document-legal-hotline-for-youth/

Youth Housing

Are you a Youth in Need of Temporary Housing?

The Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) offers the Host Home Program, providing short-term, safe housing (up to 21 days) for youth experiencing homelessness or who may need to leave their current living situation.

How to Apply

Contact Emily Luna

Housing Compliance Supervisor, LAYC

Phone: 301-991-4325 call or text

Email: emily.luna@layc-dc.org

Wesite Link

Maryland Tuition Waiver for Homeless Youth

The Maryland Tuition Waiver for Homeless Youth provides financial assistance to homeless youth who are enrolled as a candidate for an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or vocational certificate at a Maryland Public institution of higher education.

The waiver exempts you from paying tuition and mandatory fees at any Maryland public institution of higher education. This includes:

Tuition
Registration fees
Other mandatory fees required for enrollment

Website Link

Work Readiness Programs for Youth

Job Corps (Ages 16–24): A free residential education and job-training program offering housing, meals, vocational training, and a living allowance. Click Here for More
YouthBuild (Ages 16–24): Provides paid construction and workforce training, with many locations offering housing support or assistance. Click Here for More
AmeriCorps NCCC (Ages 18–26): A full-time service program where youth live in provided team housing, receive a living allowance, and earn an education award. Click Here for More
State or National Guard Youth Challenge Programs (Ages 16–18): Residential programs focused on education, structure, and workforce readiness. Click Here for More
Conservation Programs (18+): Programs such as the American Conservation Experience (ACE) or the Student Conservation Association (SCA) offer paid conservation work with housing provided. Click Here for More
Local Transitional Living & Employment Programs: Organizations like YMCA Youth Housing Programs and WIOA Youth Programs offer job training with shelter or transitional housing support. Click the Blue Links for More.

Youth Internship Opportunities

Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP): Paid summer jobs for youth (14–24) toearn money and build job skills. Click Here for More
Employ Prince George’s, Inc.: Job training, internships, and career support to help youth get workforce-ready. Click Here for More
The Arc of Prince George’s County: Internship and career opportunities with hands-on experience and meaningful impact. Click Here for More

Contact your school dsitricts McKinney-Vento Program to get support

Review your districts MVP Liasion by clicking here

Bruce Empowerment Zone

Supporting youth along their journey.

7723 Barlowe Rd.Hyattsville, MD 20785

Monday-Friday 9am – 6pm

202-897-9398

Latin American Youth Center

Supporting youth along their journey.

8700 Georgia Avenue, Suite 500 Silver Spring

301-495-0441

Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm

Disclaimer: The information on this website is being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; inclusion in this website does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or an approval by Prince George's County Public Schools of any of the products, services, or organizations included in this website. Contact the respective organizations included on this website for answers to questions regarding their products and services. Prince George's County Public Schools does not discriminate based on religion and does not endorse any religion or religious message.