Programs that offer training which focuses on the knowledge and skills an individual may need to live independently or make a successful transition to independent living. Participants may include runaway youth who are living on their own, youth who because of age can no longer be maintained in foster care, new widows, victims of domestic abuse, people who have previously been homeless, and others who have lived in an environment in which decision making and responsibilities of daily living have been handled by another as well as people currently living independently who want to be more effective. Training may address job search and retention, money management, insurance, taxes, rental agreements, vehicle purchase, nutrition, home management, health care, legal emancipation for teens and other similar topics.

Programs that provide outdoor adventure courses for individuals struggling with emotional, social and behavioral challenges, with the aim of increasing self-esteem and self-reliance while fostering personal and social responsibility. Through immersion in an unfamiliar environment, group living with peers and the mastering of new skills such as fire-making and backcountry travel, participants are encouraged to push themselves and face challenges designed to be therapeutic in nature. Activities may include hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking and horseback riding. Outings may be customized for troubled adolescents, survivors of violence or abuse, military veterans, people living with a disability, people recovering from a trauma or facing a major life transition, or others who can benefit from the experience.

Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.

Individuals who are younger than age 18.

Youth who, because of their economic, environmental or family situation, a health problem or disability or past behavior, are considered more likely than others to be affected by or become involved in child abuse or neglect, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, gang behavior, adolescent pregnancy, truancy, unemployment and other problems which threaten their health, safety and/or personal development.

Individuals or families who are at risk for becoming homeless because they are unable to make their rent or mortgage payment and face eviction or foreclosure or who have already lost their permanent residence and are "doubled up", i.e., are staying temporarily with friends or relatives.