Not every child eagerly counts down the days until they become 18 years of age. Some kids, particularly those who are in the foster care system, dread their eighteenth birthday. It marks the year that they will potentially be removed from their foster homes and become homeless.

Carter, a 19-year-old boy, was one of those kids who aged out of the foster system.

After his mother’s death and his father’s incarceration, he had to go from one foster home to another. Being out of the foster care system, he had to try couch surfing. It was a temporary solution but it made his back pain worse. Lately, he’s been in the care of his sister’s adoptive family.

Being homeless and the lack of proper support systems are huge challenges for young adults like Carter who want to live an independent life.

Knowing the magnitude of the problem, tons of nonprofit organizations country-wide are coming up with solutions to solve it. One of them is Pivot.

The organization was established in 1972. The original services they provided were crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals. Now, they also offer programs and services that include creating emergency shelters for homeless youth and life skills training.

Pivot builds tiny homes for homeless teenagers who have aged out of the foster system.

The organization doesn’t just put a roof over the young adults’ heads. In addition to providing them a safe and comfortable place to stay, they actually help them learn how to live by themselves. They teach them critical life skills which they’ll need to fulfill their responsibilities and look after themselves.

Each tiny home is free for the first two months.

After that, the rent will gradually increase. Once they reach the 6th month, they’ll have to pay $150 per month. This gives the teens a chance to get a feel for what it’s like to live on their own. It also helps them realize the responsibilities that come with it, such as coping with day-to-day expenses.

The teenagers can stay for as long as they need to.

Once they get the chance to stand up on their feet and when they feel that they can live completely independent lives, they can look for their own place.

Carter has a home now.

He’s one of the first teens who were given a chance to move into the beautiful tiny homes and he’s super happy about it.

“Having a bed’s gonna be different.”- he enthusiastically said.

Initiatives like this are a big help for the homeless youth. Being out of the foster care system, it’s difficult for them to find their spot in society. Being homeless also makes them more prone to getting into drugs and alcohol, committing crimes or starting a family at a young age.

Having their own homes will take them closer to being independent and confident. It will also make them feel like they belong to today’s society and that they have a purpose in life.

Learn more in the video below.

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Source: YouTube, Pivot