Ages 18–22 · Transitional Living Program

Your own apartment. Your own plan.

The Transitional Living Program (TLP) is structured housing for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and Ally young adults ages 18–22. You get your own unit, wraparound case management, and a real runway to independence.

Who we serve

  • LGBTQ+ young adults ages 18–22
  • Experiencing homelessness, family rejection, or unsafe housing
  • Transitioning from foster care, group homes, shelters, or juvenile systems
  • Ready to engage in an individualized goal-based plan

A real apartment. A real plan.

TLP operates as a longer-term supportive environment. Young adults live in individual units and receive wraparound services delivered through one-on-one case management — not institutional housing; not a shelter bed.

Casa Q serves approximately 4-6 young adults annually in our off-site apartments. The average stay for TLP is 12-24 months. The program is trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and built around what’s sometimes called “chosen family” — because for many of our clients, biological family isn’t an option.

Care plans cover housing, education, employment, healthcare, mental health, life skills, and legal/documentation needs, with goals set together between you and your case manager.

The TLP Outcome Framework

Five pillars. One life.

Every TLP client is supported across these five pillars — and we measure what changes in each, not just what we provide.

🏠

Housing Stability

30+ days stable placement, 6-month retention, permanent housing at planned exit, and aftercare check-ins 6–12 months out.

🧭

Independent Living

Ansell-Casey Life Skills assessment, budgeting, meal planning, ID, benefits, transit, and navigating community systems solo.

🎓

Education & Employment

Enrollment or work, academic/vocational milestones, and income that can sustain independent housing.

💗

Health & Wellness

Primary care, mental health care, and gender-affirming care. Legal name and gender marker updates as desired.

🤝

Community & Belonging

Trusted adults, affirming peers, and 2+ lasting support relationships six months after exit.

What success actually looks like

The TLP outcome framework organizes measurable outcomes across short-term (in program), intermediate (at exit), and long-term (6–12 months post-exit).

Pillar
Short-term
Intermediate
Long-term
Housing Stability
Stable TLP placement 30+ days without crisis interruption.
6-month retention without unplanned exit.
Permanent housing at exit; stable 6–12 months post-exit.
Independent Living
Baseline ACLS assessment, personal goals set with case manager.
ACLS re-score improvement; valid ID, benefits, transit access.
Navigates 3+ systems independently at exit.
Education & Employment
Enrolled in school, GED, post-secondary, or employment pathway.
Academic or vocational milestone (diploma, credential, job).
Sustains work or enrollment 90+ days post-exit; self-sustaining income.
Health & Wellness
Linked to primary care, mental health, gender-affirming care.
Reduced trauma symptoms (PHQ-9); legal name/gender marker updates as desired.
Positive wellbeing and safety self-report at exit.
Community & Belonging
Identifies 1+ trusted adult or affirming peer relationship.
2+ community activities; reduced social isolation (UCLA scale).
Maintains 2+ affirming relationships 6 months post-exit.

Is the TLP for you?

The TLP is built specifically for young adults 18–22. You don’t have to have everything figured out to apply — you just have to be ready to work on it with us.

Age18–22 at intake
IdentityLGBTQ+ and/or Allies
HousingUnhoused, unstably housed, or in an unsafe environment
LocationNew Mexico
ReadinessWilling to engage with case management & goals
BackgroundPrior shelter, foster, juvenile system OK

What we help with

Case managers meet with each client 4–8+ hours a month and connect you to:

  • 🔑 Housing set-up, rental insurance, furniture, and move-in support
  • 💰 Budgeting, banking, benefits enrollment, tax filing
  • 🎓 School re-enrollment, FAFSA, GED, credential programs
  • 💼 Resume, interview prep, job search
  • 🏥 Medical, mental health, gender-affirming care navigation
  • 📄 Legal name/gender marker update, ID, vital records assistance
Sponsor a Client

~ $13,630 supports one TLP client for a full year.

That’s not just rent — it’s case management, life skills, incentives, and furnishings. Everything it takes for one young adult to stabilize, learn, and build a life. Sponsor alone, or split with a friend, church, or company.

Annual cost per client

Apartment ($850/mo × 12)$10,200
Deposit / application fee$750
Rental insurance$60
Furniture$300
Case management / life skills$1,920
Incentives / food$400
Total per year$13,630

How to apply to the TLP

Applications are ongoing. You can apply for yourself, or a referrer (caseworker, teacher, parent, friend) can start it for you with your consent.

1

Reach out

Fill out the TLP application. We respond as soon as possible.

2

Intake interview

A confidential conversation with our team — no judgment, just listening.

3

Baseline & goals

Ansell-Casey Life Skills assessment and goal-setting with your case manager.

4

Move in

We help you find and set up your apartment, coordinate furniture, and start building.

TLP intake line

Staffed Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Mountain Time. 

(505) 872-2099