The response to youth homelessness demands coordination across systems and between local service providers. It starts by recognizing that housing alone will not end homelessness. Young people need to feel connected to community, have access to cultural and spiritual guidance, rent supplements, assistance with employment, and ongoing clinical support. Providing these services in combination with safe, appropriate, and affordable housing is key to meaningfully preventing and ending youth homelessness.
The Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) program model – a youth-focused adaption of the successful Housing First intervention – is a promising example of how to do this work effectively.