DYCD on drop-in centers and street outreach programs
Escamilla-Davies describes DYCD's eight drop-in centers offering food, clothing, counseling, and health workshops with at least one 24/7 center per borough, plus street outreach teams that meet young people where they congregate to provide immediate support and connections to housing.
DYCD also funds eight contract drop-in centers, which, by the way, was my first job, where LGBTQI plus youth and other young people can access essential resources
such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies along counseling, educational, and health workshops, recreational program, and referrals to additional services and shelters when needed.
Specialized staff, including housing navigators, financial coaches, peer navigators, and mental health clinicians work closely with young people to identify their goals and take meaningful steps towards long-term stability and independence.
To ensure accessibility, at least one drop-in center in every borough operates 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Our street outreach programs meet young people where they are, including in locations where runaway and homeless youth are known to congregate.
Outreach teams provide immediate support, information, safety planning, and connections to housing and other critical services.