Coalition for the Homeless Receives $1.4 Million Grant to Help End Youth Homelessness in Houston – Houston Public Media

The Houston/Harris County Homeless Coalition will use a grant of more than $1.4 million to research ways to end youth homelessness.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday awarded $1,421,681 to the coalition to fund more outreach in Galveston County and build on the Homeless Youth Demonstration Program. The program provides support to homeless youth.

Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grants, which are the first of their kind according to HUD, are also often used to fund Youth Action Councils. Danielle Stephen is a member of the coalition’s Youth Action Board. She said board members range in age from 14 to 28 and have been homeless.

“There is always a story behind the decisions many young people make when they become homeless,” she said. “And understanding that would give a clear message as to the root of the cause.”

Board members like Stephen focus on systematic changes to improve or create intervention systems for at-risk youth. She said homeless youth have often been kicked out of their homes for a variety of reasons, such as identifying as LGBTQ+ or suffering from substance abuse.

“Really hearing that voice and understanding that it is our responsibility as adults to recognize it, listen to it and act accordingly is the key to being able to change youth homelessness,” Kelly said Young, president and CEO of the coalition.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, youth homelessness typically stems from family conflict. Youth placed in child welfare, foster care, and juvenile systems are more likely to become homeless. Racial disparities, mental health, and poverty can also contribute to homelessness.

The $1.4 million YHSI grant is part of a $51.1 million national investment announced earlier this month to combat youth homelessness. Last week, the coalition released a study that shows homelessness is steadily decreasing in the region.