Learning Lab seeks $95,340 for tenant‑based rental assistance to house homeless youth

The Learning Lab requested $95,340 to fund rent and utility payments for up to five tenant‑based rental assistance units intended to stabilize homeless youth aged 21–24. Michelle Nolan, deputy director of the Learning Lab, and Anthony Belongeli, director of youth outreach, explained the model in the agency’s HUD entitlement public hearing.

Program model and need: the Learning Lab said the program pays rent and utilities directly for up to 12 months while providing case management, life‑skills training and resource navigation. The organization said it was specifically requesting funding targeted for ages 21–24 because coordinated entry data show a gap for that age cohort: the Learning Lab said there are 59 youth listed on coordinated entry and that 57 percent of them are ages 21–24. The presenters noted federal transitional living programs typically serve younger cohorts (for example, 16–21), leaving a local service gap for people in their early twenties.

Costs and capacity: presenters said rising market rents prompted a larger request this year. The Learning Lab cited a 2025 fair market rent (FMR) for a one‑bedroom of $1,489 and said utility costs are also increasing. The organization said it currently holds an IURA contract for up to five apartments, had moved one youth into housing and expected additional move‑ins. The Learning Lab said it had secured over $76,000 in other funding to cover case management, apartment startup and related supportive services.

Program sequencing and outcomes: Learning Lab staff described four concurrent housing programs they operate (including HUD‑funded transitional and permanent supportive housing programs) and said the organization placed 33 youth and helped 44 obtain housing in the prior year. The Learning Lab said shortfalls in federal funding would jeopardize programs and could force wind‑downs of services.

Questions from board members addressed scaling if full funding is not available, the program’s preference for single‑unit leases rather than shared or doubled‑up arrangements, and supportive‑services funding. The Learning Lab said it prefers individual apartments because of trauma and confidentiality concerns and that supportive services would continue to be provided but that some reductions could be required if other funding sources were cut.

Next steps: the Learning Lab will seek IURA funding decisions as part of the entitlement allocation process. Staff did not present an alternative service plan that would expand or reduce apartments beyond the five requested if IURA funding were changed; presenters said they would scale the number of apartments to the funds available and continue working with landlords to find modestly below‑market rents where possible.