Young Parents Find Stability Through New Maryland Housing Program

A new program in Maryland is providing essential support to young parents struggling with homelessness. The initiative, run by the Maryland Living Center (MLC), offers a maternity group home aimed at helping young mothers and fathers build stable lives for themselves and their children. Since its launch in July, the program has already made significant impacts on the lives of participants like Becca Glennemeier and Caitlyn Stanley.

At just 19 years old, Glennemeier is working diligently to create a stable environment for her two children. Through the MLC program, she has learned important parenting skills along with essential independent living skills such as budgeting. “It’s really helpful here,” Glennemeier stated, highlighting how the program has positively influenced her life.

The MLC primarily serves individuals aged 16 to 21 who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness, particularly those who have aged out of the foster care system. While they focus on a six-county area, they accept referrals from across the state. A recent federal grant from the Family Youth Services Bureau has significantly expanded their capacity to assist pregnant and parenting teens. The grant, valued at $350,000 annually for three years, has enabled MLC to hire a part-time nurse and therapist to provide additional support.

In collaboration with other organizations, including Adams County Sixpence and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, MLC ensures that participants have access to comprehensive community services. Program director Jenifer Knuth emphasized the importance of individualized case management plans. “They can get on the right path right away when they’re pregnant,” she said, showcasing the program’s proactive approach.

For Stanley, a 17-year-old mother, the move to MLC in June marked a turning point. Living in her father’s house had become untenable, prompting her to seek assistance. Since joining the program, she has found it to be instrumental in her journey to becoming an independent adult. “It helps me realize that being an adult is not as easy as it seems, but you also get help,” she explained.

While some teens may find the program’s rules challenging, Stanley appreciates the structure it provides. “I really like that they check apartments every Sunday to see if they’re clean,” she noted, explaining how these checks motivate her to maintain a tidy living space. Glennemeier also shared how the program’s rules have contributed to her success, enabling her to regain partial custody of her children through demonstrated parenting skills and cleanliness.

Having faced instability throughout her youth, Glennemeier views MLC as an opportunity to break the cycle for her children. Her ultimate goal is to establish a safe home with her fiancé. Executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), RuAnn Root, which oversees the MLC program, emphasized the broader mission of preventing child abuse by addressing the root causes of poverty. She explained that many young people like Glennemeier often fall through service gaps, making programs like MLC vital.

Even with a waitlist that can span from two to sixteen weeks based on demand, Root assured that the organization remains committed to assisting youth in need. “We offer holistic services to youth that are either homeless or at risk of being homeless,” she said. Participants can access food, clothing, and hygiene facilities, regardless of their waitlist status.

The maternity group home program provides young parents with crucial support during a transitional period in their lives. “We’ll make sure that the basic needs of the baby are met,” Root said, recognizing that many participants arrive with very few resources. This dedication to meeting essential needs is reflected in the experiences of young mothers like Stanley, who expressed appreciation for a rent structure based on her income. “It’s a hand up, not a hand out,” she stated, underscoring the program’s empowering approach.

For those interested in learning more about the Maryland Living Center or applying for the program, further information can be obtained by calling 402-834-3180 or visiting their website at www.marylandlivingcenter.org.