The Homeless Children and Youth Act Would Serve Some of the Most Vulnerable Children and Youth, and Prevent Future Homelessness
U.S. Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Bill Posey (R-FL-08), Delia Ramirez (D-IL-03), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) reintroduced the Homeless Children and Youth Act (HCYA) on August 15, 2023. This legislation would change how HUD defines homelessness so that more children, youth, and families can access the housing assistance they need.
All of us need support on the journey to adulthood. Youth experiencing homelessness have a particularly steep climb to adulthood. The federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program prevents trafficking, identifies survivors, and provides housing and service options to youth in need.
U.S. Representatives Bonamici (D-OR), Bacon (R-NE), Nunn (R-IA), and McGarvey (D-KY) and U.S. Senators Durbin (D-IL) and Collins (R-ME) introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA) of 2023. This legislation will comprehensively update and reauthorize the vital Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) (42 U.S.C. 5701 et. seq.) program.
Tell your elected officials to help prevent and end youth homelessness by supporting these funding and report language requests. Our priority FY25 policy requests are:
- $300 million for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program administered by HHS plus report language requests
- $800 million for the Education for the Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program administered by ED
- $100 million for the Youth Homeless Demonstration Program (YHDP) administered by HUD plus report language requests
- $25 million for the Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) administered by HUD
The current LIHTC legislation aids affordable housing by cutting developers’ tax liability. However, the “student rule” excludes full-time students from living in LIHTC-funded properties, affecting those who currently are or have recently experienced homelessness.
The Housing for Homeless Students Act provides an exception for these students and ensures all young people have access to both education and affordable housing to achieve their fullest potential and stop the cycle of homelessness.
HEASHFY will help to remove barriers for homeless and foster youth pursuing higher education and support them as they apply to, enroll in, and complete college by:
- dedicating resources to identify and support homeless and foster youth who are applying to and enrolled in college;
- helping homeless and foster youth access on-campus housing year-round;
- ensuring homeless and foster youth are prioritized for Federal Work Study opportunities;
- offering in-state tuition rates for students without stable residency; and
- improving data collection and reporting.