We are currently witnessing the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States and our hearts go out to those affected.
At NN4Y, we are closely monitoring what is happening on Capitol Hill, and will be working hard to make sure any disaster relief package will allocate targeted resources to community-based service providers who support youth experiencing homelessness and young people facing similar challenges.
On the Ground
During such crises, it is essential to engage with your local community to understand their needs and provide assistance. For members of the community who have been consistently marginalized, including youth and families experiencing homelessness, it can be particularly challenging to access resources.
We are particularly concerned about RHY (Runaway and Homeless Youth) providers and youth experiencing homelessness in rural areas, such as Appalachia. There has been a persistent lack of investment in rural communities, particularly regarding RHY funding (see a complete map of RHY providers).
This disaster has forced many individuals to lose whatever safe and stable housing they may have had. Providers who assist those who are currently or have previously experienced homelessness possess vital expertise on how to support communities during this time.
Capitol Hill
Once a disaster is declared, as it has been in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, money immediately goes to those states to give where they see fit, often to local governments.
In the event of a large-scale disaster such as this one, Congress often will pass emergency supplemental appropriations in addition to the Disaster Relief Funding that was released once the disaster declaration is approved. It is likely that Congress will return for a special session to pass this additional funding soon.
NN4Y will continue to collaborate with lawmakers, providers, and youth experiencing homelessness throughout this process.
How to Help
Long-term recovery will be led by the local organizations and advocates that provide services to their community year round. As the disaster relief conversation turns towards setting up temporary housing and transitioning displaced individuals to long-term housing, it is important that we honor the expertise of those who have already been doing this work in their communities.
For NN4Y, this means assisting RHY providers, young people experiencing homelessness, and passionate advocates to meet with their Members of Congress. These meetings will help lawmakers understand the importance of age-appropriate services for young people experiencing homelessness for a host of different reasons, including disasters like this one.
If you are interested in setting up a Hill meeting, please reach out to Trinady at trinady.maddock@nn4youth.org.
We are only beginning to comprehend the short and long-term consequences of this disaster, and recovery will span decades. This work will be led by organizations already integrated into the community and familiar with its needs. If you are a community-based provider that has been impacted, please email nn4youth@nn4youth.org with more details.
