This is our current wish list and our Amazon Wishlist. Project 16:49 always accepts and appreciates the following items:
- Men’s & women’s hygiene items
- Household & cleaning supplies
- School & office supplies
- New towels, sheets, comforters, pillows
- Non-perishable food
- Gift cards (Please do not leave gift cards in donation bins)
We do not have the space or manpower to accept used clothing and shoes.
As needs arise / space allows, we may also accept:
- Gently used kitchen & household items
- Microwaves in clean, good working condition
- Furniture in clean, good condition: small dressers, small sofas, small dining tables & chairs (no broken, torn, or significantly stained furniture, please)
Please contact us before leaving furniture or used household items.
Donations can be dropped off at:
- 2911 Carrousel Lane in Janesville
- 622 Broad Street in Beloit
There are donation boxes at each location if staff is not available.
If you are a youth between the ages of 14 and 24 who is not able to live with your parents or guardian (or have been told you are being “kicked out”), and you do not have your own housing, please contact us. Project 16:49 will meet with and provide basic needs assistance, referrals, and the option of additional case management services to all homeless youth who inquire or request help.
Youth ages 17-21 may also qualify for Project 16:49’s Transitional Living Program. An intake interview is required to determine eligibility for the program. Basic eligibility requirements for the transitional living program include: (1) the desire and willingness to focus on personal goals, well-being, life skills, and self-sufficiency; (2) stable mental health; and (3) the ability to transition to independent living.
Youth ages 18-24 also may qualify for Project 16:49’s Rapid Rehousing Program (in collaboration with ECHO). Enrollment in the coordinated entry system is required; and our staff can assist with this.
A youth shelter is a short-term facility that is able to house youth under the age of 18 for up to 21 days. While in shelter a youth would receive basic needs assistance, crisis intervention and counseling services.
Project 16:49 is not a shelter. Project 16:49 operates two Transitional Living Program homes (TLPs). Our TLPs offer longer-term, safe and stable housing in a supervised, congregate setting.
Youth ages 17-21 may reside with us for up to 18 months while they further their education, work, save money, and learn key life skills as they prepare to transition to independent living. Residents participate in personalized case management and work on their individual action plan.
Our unaccompanied homeless youth can be found in a variety of living situations. Some are able to find stable housing with friends or extended family members.
Most unaccompanied youth are “couch surfing” — staying with extended family, family friends, or friends’ families, and frequently moving from place to place monthly, weekly, sometimes daily. When they are unable to find a place to stay, they sleep in cars, abandoned buildings, storage units, garages, or outside.
When homeless youth are identified, Project 16:49 focuses on stabilizing their situation — working with them to identify safe housing options, and providing them with basic needs assistance and case management services.
More than 90% of Project 16:49’s annual budget is dedicated to youth services and programming. Typically only 5-8% is spent on overhead expenses.