Kimeko Johnson says before he started going to the Jamaica YMCA, he didn't have a direction in life.

"I was always in the streets. I didn't really care, or go to school or anything like that,"

Johnson’s now a graduate of the Y’s S.T.A.R.T. U.P. program and has taken on a new role as a staff member.

The program helps young people who are homeless and living in temporary housing.

He says he found a mentor through the program and now hopes to share what he's learned with other kids.

"I understand how they would feel. And it's like this would basically be their second-home. They can always come here, ask 'I need help. Oh, I'm not going through so good being at that place.' And they always can ask, because we're always here to help," said Johnson.

S.T.A.R.T. U.P. is funded by the Department of Education. 

It provides after-school and summer programming for kids ages 11 to 21.

Kids can get help with their homework, use the computer lab and see counselors.

"Everyone is going through something similar. So, there's the comradery and repertoire amongst them. And they understand each other, without really having to speak about it. Because their living situations are not something we talk about," said Lenis Perez, the Teen Director at the Jamaica YMCA.

S.T.A.R.T. U.P. also allows the kids to unleash their creativity. Through the fashion club, kids are not only designing clothes, they're building self-esteem too.

"We started sewing. Like my birthday is on Sunday, so I finally finished my birthday shirt and bow tie," said Jordon Taylor, a sophomore.

"Before, I wasn't really able to do stuff like that. Now, I know how certain people make things and stuff," said Blossom Jauray, a fifth-grader.

Right now, the S.T.A.R.T. U.P. program is the only one of its kind. Organizers say their hope is it expands to other centers citywide.

"I think it will be a great opportunity to help more young people who may be in shelters and dealing with some of the difficult aspects that come with being in a shelter," said

Cedric Dew, the executive director of the Jamaica YMCA.

S.T.A.R.T U.P. is an acronym for Standing Tall and Ready to Uphold Progress.

It's a message they hope to extend not only to the kids but their families too.​