The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is working to build systems to end youth homelessness in urban and rural areas. The organization is doing so through its The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. HUD is offering competitive funding for up to 50 communities to implement youth-specific innovative programs to address the needs of youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. You can find more details on the notice of opportunity here.
“Getting and keeping young people off the streets and helping them find a safe, stable home can change the trajectory of their lives,” says HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “Local leaders who are on the ground every day know what it takes to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness, and this funding will empower them to do so. I am pleased to announce this funding and encourage local groups to apply.”
Moreover, HUD leadership recognizes the challenge of eliminating youth homelessness but says working towards that goal is possible with the help of local partnerships.
“Offering this funding to local communities through our Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program,” says Arthur Jemison, “not only helps vulnerable youth, but it also brings us closer to ending youth homelessness as we know it.” Jemison is Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
Listening to young voices
Furthermore, HUD designed this program based on recommendations from young people who had experienced life on the streets. HUD is working closely with young people with lived experience to make sure the program meets the needs of those facing or experiencing homelessness.
For instance, selected communities can use the funding for rapid re-housing, permanent supportive housing, and transitional housing. Additionally, funds will fund innovative programs like host homes. To date, HUD has supported almost 300 projects in 44 communities across the country through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. This announcement comes just one week after HUD released billions to address homelessness nationwide.
