Amerigroup DC Provides Critical Support to Latin American Youth Center, a Non-Profit Serving the District’s Most Vulnerable Communities

Press Release written by Amerigroup and InsprMedia

Each year, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States. For our nation’s capital, that number reaches nearly 13,000 unaccompanied youth and young adults per year. Many factors increase a young person’s odds of becoming homeless. Demographic risk factors include being Hispanic or Black, a single parent, or a member of the  LGBTQIA+ community. In a March 2019 report, the Congressional Research Service identified family conflict and family dynamics, a youth’s sexual orientation, sexual activity, school problems, pregnancy, and substance use as primary risk factors for youth homelessness.

Amerigroup DC recognized that the prevalence of this problem means that something must be done to serve these youth, and created a grant program, giving out nearly one million dollars to various community organizations across Washington DC. The Latin American Youth Center received $20,000 from Amerigroup DC to support its programs serving homeless youth throughout the district. 

"Amerigroup is committed to standing with the D.C. community and helping those in need during these uncertain times. Our initiative will fund and give strategic, hands-on assistance to organizations at the forefront of helping the city's most vulnerable populations."

- Adrian Jordan, Amerigroup DC Plan Director.

Amerigroup DC’s grant has provided critical support to Latin American Youth Center’s Drop-In Center and Health Promotions programs; two direct-service youth programs serving some of the most vulnerable populations within the DC community Through Amerigroup DC’s support, the Latin American Youth Center has been able to sustain its services amidst increased demand for programming. 

The Drop-In Center is a safe space for runaway and homeless youth to receive immediate care, case management, and shelter placements within the Latin American Youth Center’s residential programs or partner organizations. The Drop-In Center is the “front door” for many homeless youth to access all homeless support services, from basic needs like clothing, hot meals, and showers, to more specialized care such as counseling, crisis management, and assistance in receiving the necessary documentation to access shelter or other welfare services.

The Health Promotion program provides a variety of wellness programs and services to improve youth health outcomes. Among these are referrals to mental health counseling, pregnancy and parenting support, long-term contraception access, and long-term treatment and medication for physical and mental illnesses. 

Lupi Quinteros-Grady, the Latin American Youth Center president and CEO, said “LAYC never closed its doors during the pandemic. I recognize that the pandemic will have a continuing effect on our communities. Amerigroup's support allowed for critical services such as the Drop-In Center to remain a safe haven for our young people and health programs and services to educate our young people about healthy behaviors. Without the collective effort our philanthropic partners, such as Amerigroup LAYC would not be able to do the important work that is needed. Thank you for your support and your commitment to our youth and their families.”

Ensuring the safety and health of those 13,000 homeless youth in DC is a vital part of preserving the next generation, and this cannot be accomplished without reducing the barriers to accessing healthcare and basic human needs. Amerigroup DC recognizes the importance of protecting homeless teens and youth and is proud to partner with the Latin American Youth Center in its continued efforts to do so.