Blog
From Budgeting to Move-In: PREP Guides Youth Toward Housing Independence
December 15, 2025
This November, we launched our Prepared Renter’s Education Program (PREP) at the 412 Youth Zone — and the month was packed with learning, honest conversations, and hands-on activities that kept everyone engaged.
Getting Started: Sessions 1 & 2 (11/5)
We kicked things off with six youth joining our first two sessions. These covered the essentials — the practical skills young adults need before stepping into the world of renting.
Session 1 focused on housing searches and budgeting, the foundation for finding and keeping your own place. Session 2 broke down background checks, leases, and evictions — topics that can feel heavy but are a lot more manageable once you understand them. One youth shared that they learned a lot and enjoyed the interactive activities. That’s the point of PREP: keeping young adults involved, not sitting through a lecture.
Keeping the Momentum: Sessions 3 & 4 (11/19)
Another group of six youth returned two weeks later as we moved into tours, inspections, and good neighbor expectations. These sessions walked youth through how to tour a unit, complete an inspection, understand what it means to be a good neighbor, build community in a new space, spot red flags in an apartment, and approach building positive relationships with neighbors. Altogether, the sessions gave youth a clearer sense of what to expect and helped them feel more confident stepping into real-world renting.
Celebrating PREP Graduates
Out of the six participants, three completed all four sessions — a solid achievement and a meaningful step toward housing independence.
Looking Ahead
Delivering PREP at the 412 Youth Zone wasn’t just educational — it was energizing. Shoutout to all the youth who showed up, participated, and shared their experiences. We’re looking forward to bringing PREP back and continuing to support young adults as they get ready for their next big move.
Getting Started: Sessions 1 & 2 (11/5)
We kicked things off with six youth joining our first two sessions. These covered the essentials — the practical skills young adults need before stepping into the world of renting.
Session 1 focused on housing searches and budgeting, the foundation for finding and keeping your own place. Session 2 broke down background checks, leases, and evictions — topics that can feel heavy but are a lot more manageable once you understand them. One youth shared that they learned a lot and enjoyed the interactive activities. That’s the point of PREP: keeping young adults involved, not sitting through a lecture.
Keeping the Momentum: Sessions 3 & 4 (11/19)
Another group of six youth returned two weeks later as we moved into tours, inspections, and good neighbor expectations. These sessions walked youth through how to tour a unit, complete an inspection, understand what it means to be a good neighbor, build community in a new space, spot red flags in an apartment, and approach building positive relationships with neighbors. Altogether, the sessions gave youth a clearer sense of what to expect and helped them feel more confident stepping into real-world renting.
Celebrating PREP Graduates
Out of the six participants, three completed all four sessions — a solid achievement and a meaningful step toward housing independence.
Looking Ahead
Delivering PREP at the 412 Youth Zone wasn’t just educational — it was energizing. Shoutout to all the youth who showed up, participated, and shared their experiences. We’re looking forward to bringing PREP back and continuing to support young adults as they get ready for their next big move.