Youth HomelessnessYouth Homelessness

Overview

The number of Americans currently experiencing homelessness, as well as the demographics of this population have changed dramatically in the last 30 years. Families, children, and unaccompanied youth who have experienced or are experiencing homelessness have emerged as a rapidly growing and especially vulnerable sub-population. Children and youth living in shelters or other systems face significant barriers to appropriate physical,emotional and educational development. These negative effects are often more extreme for young people who are homeless and no longer connected to their family of origin.

For a young person who has exited or has been "kicked out" of their home, healthy and productive activities such as: succeeding in school, obtaining employment and contributing to one's community become especially difficult. DCAYA's Youth Homelessness Committee works to ensure that homeless and unstably housed youth in the District receive appropriate services, prevention and supports. For more information contact Senior Policy Analysts Maggie Riden.

 

Recent News and Events from the Committee Are Available Below:

News and Events

Youth Homelessness Report Released

 The DC Alliance of Youth Advocates (DCAYA), a coalition of more than 120 youth-serving organizations, today released the first study on youth homelessness in the District.  The study,From the Streets to Stability: A study of youth homelessness in the District of Columbia, was completed over the course of two weeks in mid-March by DCAYA Senior Policy Analyst Maggie Riden and a team of volunteers.

DCAYA Releases Preliminary Findings from 2011 Homeless and Unstably Housed Youth Survey

 

Between March 7th and March 21st, at over 70 sites across the District, the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates surveyed 490 unaccompanied homeless or unstably housed youth and young adults between the ages of 12-24. The preliminary findings are availble in PDF format here.

 

 

DCAYA to Co-Host Mayor's FY'12 Youth Town Hall

The DC Alliance of Youth Advocates will be partnering with the Executive Office of the Mayor to host the Mayor's FY'12 Youth Town Hall meeting on Saturday, May 21, 2011.

This is a great opportunity to ask Mayor Gray  specific questions about his proposed budget and to bring his attention to the very real impact that the budget cuts are going to have on youth in DC. We hope to see a large number of youth and youth service providers at this event so be sure to sign up!