Transitional Living

Hull House Association’s Transitional Living Programs provide residential and supportive services to youth between the ages of 17 and 20 who are wards of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) system. These programs strive to teach the life skills needed to become self-sufficient while transitioning to independent living.  

Ellen Gates Starr House

The Ellen Gates Starr House is a residence for 14 females between 18 and 20 years of age.  Staff members help these young women to become self-sufficient and prepared for independent living. Residents are provided a safe place to live and receive comprehensive services in the areas of counseling, life skills, health care, recreation, education and employment. When the young women complete the program, they may be enrolled in the New Directions program.

Starr House residents continue to keep in touch with staff long after they leave the program. Here are some of their comments:

 “In coming to Starr House, I found the home and family that I didn’t have before.”

 “Living on my own has sometimes been difficult, but Starr House gave me the tools to be successful.  I’m working full time and I can afford my own apartment, credit cards, and a car!”

Kelley’s Home

Kelley’s Home provides a home to 20 young adults who are wards of DCFS.  The facility is a transitional living program for 17-to-20-year-old youth.  Kelley’s home has 10 apartments – two roommates occupy each apartment.  In addition to the apartment, residents receive 24-hour supervision along with a multitude of services. These include resources such as counseling, life skills classes, health care, employment preparation, educational advocacy, and social and recreational pursuits.