Why It Matters

Each year in Illinois, nearly 4,800 unaccompanied youth experience homelessness. Many find themselves “in between” systems — too old for foster care, too young for adult shelters, and blocked from housing that demands heavy documentation, programs, or participation. In Chicago, youth ages 18–24 make up nearly 20% of the unhoused population, with disproportionate impacts on Black, LGBTQ+, and system-involved youth.

SOMC was created to fill a housing-first gap — offering safe shared homes free from mandatory programming, while collaborating with community partners who provide support externally.

💫 Our Values: H.O.M.E.

H — Honoring Legacy
Inspired by the warmth and generosity of our founder’s late grandmother, we continue her legacy of creating welcoming, stable homes for young adults building their future.

O — Opening Doors
We work collaboratively with trusted community partners to make safe, fully furnished housing accessible to young adults seeking stability in Chicago.

M — Meaningful Independence
Our residents live independently in comfortable, all-inclusive homes — maintaining their own routines while staying connected to supportive people and networks in their lives.

E — Equity in Action
We believe every young person deserves a fair chance at stability. SOMC Housing prioritizes access, respect, and dignity for young adults historically excluded from safe, affordable housing options.

Our Approach

Our Approach

• Substance-free, stable, fully furnished housing

• Private, month-to-month leases

• Located in safe, transit-accessible Chicago neighborhoods

• Operates within Fair Housing Act protections and local housing laws

We do not provide supervision, treatment, or on-site programming. Instead, we partner with youth-serving organizations to refer residents and—when possible—secure rent support through flex funds or short-term subsidies.