On February 26, 2025, the National Network for Youth hosted a congressional briefing in collaboration with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) about investing in hope with federal funding to support youth and young parent families facing homelessness.
Attendees heard from young leaders from NN4Y’s National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) and frontline service providers to share their insights on the challenges young people face—and the solutions that work.
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Key Takeaways
Lived Expertise Matters
NYAC members William and Dane shared their personal experiences navigating disjointed and under-resourced systems of care. Their stories underscored how early intervention, accessible services, and compassionate support can disrupt cycles of homelessness and trauma.
April shared her personal journey of experiencing homelessness as a child and young adult, highlighting how support from a youth homelessness service provider, Covenant House Alaska, was critical to her stability and success.
Service Provider Realities
Deborah spoke from the service provider’s perspective about the real-world challenges of identifying and serving youth experiencing homelessness. She spoke on the gaps in federal funding and the need for policies that prioritize prevention and rapid response services for youth under 25.
The Power of Federal Investment
Senator Murkowski, along with all the panelists, emphasized that targeted federal investments in youth-specific programs are essential to prevent homelessness from becoming chronic in adulthood. Prioritizing funding for programs like the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program, McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY), Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) grants, and Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grants is critical to expanding services and ensuring stability for young people and families.
Why it Matters
To end youth and young parent family homelessness, we must invest in targeted, evidence-based solutions. By amplifying the voices of youth with lived experience and frontline service providers, this briefing highlighted the critical need for federal funding and policy reforms that prioritize young people.
Stay engaged with NN4Y as we continue to advocate for bold investments and effective solutions that give every young person a fair chance at stability and success. Sign up for our listserv for the latest updates.