The Unaccompanied Students Initiative (USI) is a 501c3 non-profit (EIN: 83-2885380) that provides a safe and stable home to youth ages 16-20 experiencing homelessness. USI became the focus of Strong Families Action Team due to a need identified through the Point in Time Count and McKinney-Vento data through Laramie County School District #1.

Due to the need for homeless teen support throughout Wyoming, we have locations in Laramie County and Albany County and can serve youth from anywhere in Wyoming.

• A referral is made to USI by anyone, including self-referrals

• Applicants are given an Eligibility Screening Form

• Once the form is completed, the youth is contacted by the Program Coordinator within 1-3 business days to schedule an interview.

• Applicants will complete a screening interview where the Program Coordinator may ask about the information they’ve provided on their form and request more details. 

• Applicants will be notified of the status of their application within 1-3 business days of the screening interview. 

• If accepted into the program, applicants will move into the USI residence within one week of being notified or will be placed on a wait list dependent on availability. 

• Provide a stable home for homeless teens that live in a variety of unsafe, temporary situations - including cars, parks, shelters, motels, and couch surfing.

• Provide a support system for participants in the USI program, allowing the youth to focus on obtaining their high school diploma or equivalent.

• Teach life skills, such as resume writing, budgeting, goal setting and achievement, and personal advocacy so that once they graduate the USI program, they become productive, independent members of society.

We have two active locations in:

Cheyenne, WY

Laramie, WY

Youth are not required to be from these communities in order to be enrolled in USI but must be willing to relocate to one of our locations for services.

• Provides a safe and stable home setting for unaccompanied youth.

• Provides connection and support to community resources to help youth with educational and personal goals.

• Promotes high school graduation, career development, and post-secondary education.

• Assists the youth in becoming a productive member of the community.

2015-2017‍ ‍

• Laramie County Community Partnership’s Strong Families Action Team identifies a need for unaccompanied youth housing and support

• Laramie County School District #1, Catholic Charities of Wyoming, and volunteers offer “host homes” to homeless youth

2017

• Church of the Holy Trinity lends house to pilot offering shared student housing and services

• First student enters program

2018

• Unaccompanied Students Initiative (USI) is formed and registers as a 501c3 non-profit

• Ed Ernste awarded Compassion in Action award for donating the “Natalie House” to USI. The Natalie House is able to house up to 5 students in Laramie County.

• First Twin Home is built in Laramie County, providing room for up to 10 students

• First USI program participant graduates high school!

2020

• USI expands into Natrona County with the help of Highland Park Community Church. Casper is now able to offer support for up to 10 students

2022

• The Natalie House is sold to Family Promise to assist in addressing Laramie County’s family homelessness need

• USI is awarded the Hughes Grant to build a Twin Home in Natrona County

• USI breaks ground on new twin home in Casper, WY

2023

• Completion of the Greta House in Casper provides room for 14 students

• USI Laramie is established and is able to house 4 students

• USI is awarded its first federal grant to improve the mental health outcomes of rural youth

2024

• USI adjusts office space in the Cheyenne location to increase the capacity of youth served to 12, making the total capacity 30 youth statewide

2026

• A shift in the funding landscape and increasing costs results in the difficult decision to close the Casper program effective February 6, 2026.

• USI continues to operate offering a safe and stable home to youth experiencing homelessness. With locations in Cheyenne and Laramie, the program is available to anyone eligible in the state of Wyoming.