2011 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth Survey Lauded by Chairman Graham

Photo Credit  DCCouncil Website

Yesterday afternoon at the Committee on Human Services Public Oversight Hearing on the 2011 Homeless Services Amendment Act, Committee Chair Jim Graham reacted to the preliminary findings of DCAYA’s and the Inter-agency Council on Homelessness’ 2011 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth Study with praise and admiration for the hard work advocates for homeless youth had put in this year. This study, was the first of its kind to be conducted in the District of Columbia and joins only a handful of other studies from across the U.S. that seek to account for this vulnerable sub-population of homeless individuals. Chairman Graham’s enthusiasm about this study comes at an opportune moment for the District government.

Currently the Committee on Human Services has proposed expanding membership on the Inter-agency Council on Homelessness to include representation for youth service providers. This trend in the District towards recognizing youth as a distinct sub-group within the larger homeless population is both necessary and appropriate. Youth do not exhibit the same traits as chronically homeless adults and the interventions, services and supports necessary to help them achieve stability must be developmentally appropriate to be effective. DCAYA is thrilled that Chairman Graham recognizes this fact and welcomes his support as both the 2011 Homeless Services Amendment Act and the 2011 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth Survey enable the District government to better serve our young people.

DCAYA will be publishing a full-report of its findings from this year’s study this summer. If you are interested in receiving updates about the study or about DCAYA’s work around youth homelessness please contact DCAYA Senior Policy Analyst Maggie Riden.

To access the testimony that DCAYA ‘s staff and membership gave at the public hearing on 06/06/11 please click on the below links:

Testimony of DCAYA Policy Analyst, Maggie Riden

Testimony of Sasha Bruce Youthwork Executive Director, Deborah Shore

Testimony of Covenant House Executive Director, Dan Brannen