Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced that Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. has been awarded $200,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The grant will be dedicated to a transitional living program which provides housing and programs for youth age 16 -21 who are homeless or living in an unsafe environment. 

“This funding will benefit expand a great program offered through Chautauqua Opportunities that gives struggling young people a safe place to live and guidance that will lead to self sufficiency,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. 

This funding will allow for Chautauqua Opportunities to expand youth transitional housing services.  Residents living in the apartments have access to life-skills training, counseling, referral services and budgetary education.

“This is a long-awaited opportunity for COI to serve the youth and families of the northern part of our county,” said Chautauqua Opportunities Executive Director Roberta Keller.  “We thank Congressman Higgins for his consistent support in Washington, and awareness of the needs at home in Chautauqua County.”

Chautauqua Opportunities currently operates Luke’s Place apartments in Jamestown, NY.   Residents living in Luke’s Place have access to life-skills training, counseling, referral services and budgetary education.

In 1988 Congress created the Transitional Living Program for Older Homeless Youth in the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. Today, the Program is continued through the Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act of 2003, which reauthorizes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act and provides funding for the organizations and shelters that serve and protect runaway, homeless, missing, and sexually exploited children. In FY 2007, 190 organizations received funding totaling $35.2 million.