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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 quality support and services to prevent and end economic and housing instability for children, youth, and families. A comprehensive web of services and supports are critical for all disconnected and homeless youth as well as children in homeless families to successfully transition into stable and productive housing and self-sufficiency.
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 thanks 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. At the same time, DC's graduation rate for students experiencing homelessness is at 49%, the lowest in the nation. Young people who fail to graduate are 4.5 times more likely to experience homelessness as young adults. If our city is serious about ending homelessness, we must prioritize children and youth by investing in prevention.
To address widening inequalities during the pandemic, we need to double down on our efforts, increase access to behavioral health, family support, and workforce development programs and really make sure every youth-serving program has what they need to help our families and young people thrive.
Co-chaired by DC Action, Homeless Children's Playtime Project and the Wanda Alston Foundation.
Get Involved
Email Rachel White at rwhite@dckids.org to learn more
Featured Resources
Letter to Mayor Bowser on Coalition's FY23 Budget Requests
"Our priorities center around providing stable, high-quality services, filling system gaps by investing in workforce development opportunities and behavioral health services for youth experiencing homelessness."
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.