[March 1, 2023] In collaboration with Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), five NN4Y National Youth Advisory Council members hosted a congressional briefing in the Capitol Visitor Center. The purpose of this briefing was to advance their collective advocacy agenda of policy solutions to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness in America.
Watch highlights of the congressional briefing here:
The policy solutions they advocated for include:
- Aligning the federal definition of homelessness so that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs accept as eligible those youth and families that meet the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) definitions of homelessness.
- Fixing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) student rule issue, so that youth experiencing homelessness can attend school full time and access affordable housing built with the LIHTC. Under current law, this is prohibited.
- Increasing funding for the valuable Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program administered by HHS. This program is vital because youth experiencing more invisible forms of homelessness are eligible. Also, RHYA programs are tailored to the unique needs of youth experiencing homelessness and provide developmentally appropriate housing and service options, as well as street outreach.
- Advocating for a youth specific housing voucher program beyond just youth involved in the foster care system. Instead, target vouchers to all youth exiting systems, such as legal, behavioral health, or substance use disorder systems.
- Increase access to mental health care for youth with all levels of need.
We are grateful for the young people with lived expertise of homelessness who partner with us to transform systems. Together, we can create a future where all young people have a safe place to call home.