The Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness works with organizations around the state tackling the issue of youth homelessness in Vermont, such as Northeast Kingdom Youth Service (NEKYS) and the Washington County Youth Service Bureau. Members of these organizations are also a part of our VCEH board, bringing the voice of youth homelessness to our coalition.
Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP)
The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiative designed to reduce the number of youth experiencing homelessness. The goal of the YHDP is to support selected communities, including rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States, in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness. In July 2018, the Vermont Balance of State CoC was selected to receive $2,000,000 as part of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.
Vermont Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program 101
HUD Resources:
- Resources for Homeless Youth Service Providers page.
- YHDP Community Resources
- Additional Youth Homlessness Resources
Vermont YHDP Coordinated Community Plan
Youth Homelessness Prevention Plan Committee (YHPPC)
The Youth Homelessness Prevention Plan Committee (YHPPC), a joint committee between the two HUD-recognized Continua of Care in Vermont, began meeting in early 2017. Composed of members of the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness, the Chittenden County Homeless Alliance, and a variety of youth stakeholders, the committee is working towards the following goals:
- Increase data collection and analysis to gain better understanding of youth homelessness in Vermont.
- Develop a shared understanding of evidence-informed practices to address youth homelessness, current Vermont and national resources, and what interventions increase positive outcomes.
- Create a statewide plan to end youth homelessness through increasing capacity for interventions that reduce risk factors, build protective factors and mitigate long-term impacts of experiences of homelessness. Interventions should address core outcomes for youth.
- Ensure that every community has the capacity to identify and engage youth at risk of experiencing homelessness and intervene to prevent loss, reduce barriers to emergency crisis services, and increase short and long term housing supports appropriate for the unique populations needs.
YHPPC Documents
Framework for Youth Homelessness Prevention Plan
Chittenden County CE Assessment Recommendation
Youth Action Board (YAB)
The Youth Action Board (YAB) is a collective of young people from around the state, aged 14-24, who have experienced homelessness or precarious housing either while living with their family or on their own. YAB members help guide the work of the Vermont Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and are decision-makers around funding and planning priorities. YAB members are also supported in their own individual and collective work to raise awareness and end youth homelessness in their communities.