A look back at Project 16:49’s History
In less than a decade, an idea came to life. Today, Project 16:49 fills a critical need in local services, and helps realize significant outcomes for the youth we serve.
2010
- Sixteen Forty-Nine, a short documentary produced by Robin Stuht and directed by R.E. Burgos, sheds light on the issue of youth homelessness in Rock County. The film is shown at the Beloit International Film Festival, and later wins the National Association for Education of Homeless Children and Youth media award.
2011
- Attention generated by the documentary creates a groundswell of community support that evolves into the creation of Project 16:49. The YWCA Rock County serves as fiscal agent while founders work to establish the organization.
2012
- Project 16:49 files its Articles of Incorporation.
2013
- The organization hires its first Executive Director and Case Manager, and begins planning for service delivery. A property is identified and secured for the launch of Project 16:49’s transitional living program.
2014
- Project 16:49 and the community celebrate the grand opening of Robin House transitional living home.
- Project 16:49 receives its 501(c)(3) approval from the IRS.
- In addition to operating its Transitional Living Program, Project 16:49 provides basic needs assistance and other support to unaccompanied homeless youth — primarily high school students — both through schools and in the community.
2017
- After ceasing operations, Goshen Children’s Home in Janesville donates its house and property to Project 16:49 to open a second transitional living home (TLP). Based on its early success with Robin House, Project 16:49 applies for and is awarded a federal grant to assist with the second home.
- Project 16:49 evaluates operations and implements changes to ensure existing efforts are fully supported before expanding into a second location. This includes restructuring the staffing model, and creating the Youth Assistant position to provide evening, overnight and weekend supervision and support.
- Renovations begin on the Janesville TLP.
2018
- Project 16:49 and the community celebrate the grand opening of the Janesville TLP.
2019
- Project 16:49 supports Wisconsin Act 22, and following its successful passage, is able to lower the age for TLP residents to 17.
2021
- Project 16:49 is honored by the National Education Association with the Reg Weaver Human & Civil Rights Award.
2022
- Project 16:49 collaborates with ECHO, Inc. on two Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project grants resulting in the creation of:
- A System Navigator position to assist youth in accessing community resources and services, and to provide on-going case management support; and
- A Rapid Rehousing Program to provide rent assistance plus case management for youth in 10 scattered site apartments.
2024
- Project 16:49 in awarded a Federal TLP grant to assist with operation of the Beloit TLP.
- Project 16:49 is presented the 2024 Youth Engagement Award by National Runaway Safeline.