Every year, 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness on their own–700,000 are ages 13 to 17 and 3.5 million are young adults ages 18 to 25. All of us need support on the journey to adulthood, but for youth experiencing homelessness, the climb to adulthood can be particularly steep. As young people become adults, they need to be plugged into networks of support that power their growth and success, but young people in homeless situations are often unplugged from networks of support.
For over 45 years, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act has been foundational for American communities’ responses to youth and young adult homelessness. Despite costing less, these programs are chronically underfunded.
Your support helps our advocacy efforts to reintroduce the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA) into Congress this September, creating pathways towards independence & success for youth experiencing homelessness.
Read our updated policy brief online and find out how you can get involved.
