Transformative Edge of Reform
Crisis Housing Efforts on the Transformative Edge of Reform
Recently there has been an attempt to push the system to the edge of transformation by giving youth the resources they need to seek crisis housing of their choice with known kin and to create a more coordinated and flexible prevention system for youth under the age of 18.
Examples of Crisis Housing Efforts on the Transformative Edge of Reform
Direct financial assistance and optional supportive services to a young person’s kinship network to support emergency housing with kin of their choice.
Several communities are implementing this strategy through a federal grant program called the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) and others with the support of Point Source Youth. This effort is helping to re-imagine how we can support youth and give them autonomy in deciding how and where they seek crisis housing. However, these efforts still operate with restrictions due to the regulations of the system and have not been scaled up to meet the needs of any youth who needs the support.Coordinated and flexible family-based services for youth under the age of 18 through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). Several communities have coordinated resources and services across child welfare, juvenile justice, RHY, and CoC programs to ensure that youth under the age of 18 and their families have access to services and supports that can assist with avoiding shelter stays, foster care placements, and detention. These services are youth driven and offer support to birth and chosen families.