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Youth Economic Justice and Housing Coalition
Too many young people in the District of Columbia experience homelessness without a parent or guardian — and go to sleep without the safety, stability and support of a family or a home. And, now the pandemic has further complicated their path to stability.
Who We Are
The Youth Economic Justice and Housing Coalition advocates with youth and youth-serving organizations in the District of Columbia for policies, funding, and programs that expand access to comprehensive support and services that disconnected and homeless youth need to successfully transition into stable and productive adulthood.
According to the 2021 State Index on Youth Homelessness, the District of Columbia was ranked #1 in the nation for addressing youth homelessness. This is due to the dozens of collaborative partnerships, including youth leaders, ensuring federal and state investments are ongoing and equitable, and focused on preventing and diverting young people from a path toward chronic homelessness as adults.
If we are going to continue to keep our young people safe, and make up for this lost year, we need to double down on our efforts, increase access to behavioral health and workforce development programs for young people experiencing homelessness, and really make sure every youth-serving program has what they need to help our youth thrive.
Get Involved
Email Rachel White at rwhite@dckids.org to learn more
Featured Resources
The District’s FY22 Budget closes out with mixed results for youth experiencing homelessness. Due to our collective advocacy, the DC Council found funds to restore nearly $307,000 in cuts to shelter and emergency services, rapid rehousing, and extended transitional housing--all essential services that get and keep young people off the streets.
Letter to Mayor Bowser on Coalition's FY22 Budget Priorities
"While much progress has been made, we still have a long way to go to ensure all our young people have safe housing and the support they need to make the successful transition to adulthood. Today we are writing to share our FY22 budget priorities, priorities we know will further our shared vision of a city where no young person lacks a safe and stable place to call home."
2020 Coordinated Community Plan
Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) first youth specific strategic plan to make youth homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Solid Foundations DC: Comprehensive Plan to End Youth Homelessness
Solid Foundations DC is the District's first ever data-driven plan focused on the needs of unaccompanied youth. The plan will serve as a roadmap for building an effective system of care for unaccompanied youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with the goal of ending youth homelessness by 2022.