16 hours and 49 minutes: the time between school ending one day and beginning the next.
In 2010, local filmmaker R.E. Burgos created Sixteen Forty-Nine, a moving documentary that shed a light on the issue of youth homelessness in Rock County. The film was shown at the Beloit International Film Festival and later won the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth media award.
Perhaps most importantly, the film became a catalyst for the founding of Project 16:49, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving homeless youth.
Project 16:49 Executive Director Tammy DeGarmo recalls seeing the film for the first time. “The film was such an eye opener for so many of us,” she says. “I knew people were experiencing homelessness in our community, but had never thought about teenagers who are still trying to finish high school having to face such overwhelming and dangerous circumstances on their own.”
DeGarmo credits the film for opening a community dialog that led to the creation of the nonprofit that she now leads.
Project 16:49 began serving youth in 2014 with the opening of its first transitional living program (TLP) home in Beloit. Since that time, the organization has continued to generate increased community support to allow it to better meet the needs of more youth. A second TLP was opened in Janesville in 2018; and in 2022, Project 16:49 collaborated with ECHO to secure Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program funds to offer a Youth Rapid Rehousing program.
The organization’s housing programs offer residents truly life-changing support and opportunities.
“Most of our youth have been ‘kicked out’ or chosen to leave an unsafe home,” DeGarmo continues. “They’ve been couch surfing or sleeping in cars, abandoned buildings, or parks; and they lack any significant support network in their lives. They are getting by day to day in survival mode.”
DeGarmo explains that in helping youth move from homelessness to stability, it is critical to address the factors that contributed to their situation, including any past trauma they may have experienced. The majority of the youth Project 16:49 assists have a background that includes: severe family conflict – abuse, neglect, domestic violence; parent/household member(s) with untreated substance abuse and/or mental health issues; or most often a combination of these issues. Other common factors are generational poverty, aging out of foster care, and human trafficking.
“Obviously, a roof and a bed are important,” DeGarmo states, “but there is so much more that our youth need, starting with a safe place and a caring support system so they can begin to heal, learn and grow. That is what we offer.”
Both TLP homes accommodate 8 residents, and youth may live there for up to 18 months. TLP case management and programming focuses on improving youth’s overall well-being, increasing their self-sufficiency, and preparing them for independent living. Residents identify their individual goals and action steps related to housing, education, employment/finances, health, and well-being. They also learn and develop key life skills. When youth are ready to exit the TLP to a dorm or apartment, the organization is able to offer assistance with furniture, household items and supplies thanks to the generous support of the community.
Over the past decade, Project 16:49 has played an impactful role in hundreds of young lives. A growing number of former TLP residents are now attending or have graduated college, are living completely self-sufficient or even becoming homeowners, and are starting their own families. Several have even become employees of the organization.
One of things DeGarmo and her staff find most rewarding is the number of youth who remain in contact with the program.
“We share so many milestones when they are living with us, like turning 18, graduating high school, or getting a driver’s license, a first job, or a first apartment,” DeGarmo says, “and we also are there for all the hard stuff.” She continues, “When they first move out, youth often call us with questions or to refer another youth who needs help. Sometimes they just need to talk things out with someone they trust.”
Over time, the contacts become just as much about simply staying in touch or sharing special news – new jobs, promotions, raises, new cars, relationships, birthday or holiday plans, and such. DeGarmo sums it up with, “For many, the program and our staff are like an extended family, and that doesn’t change.”
Project 16:49 provides basic needs assistance, referrals, and age-appropriate case management services for youth experiencing homelessness, ages 14-24 and primarily high school students. The Transitional Living Program serves youth, ages 17-21, and the Youth Rapid Housing Program serves ages 18-24.
For more information, call 608-314-5501 or visit www.Project1649.org
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