The Wisdom of Youth: Equity Centered Solutions to Prevent Youth Homelessness

About

Adolescence and young adulthood are critical developmental times in a person’s life, and experiencing housing instability and homelessness at this stage can have lifelong negative impacts. Many adults who experience chronic homelessness first became homeless under the age of 25. When housing becomes unstable or young people first experience homelessness, early interventions tailored to their unique needs –particularly for young people of color and LGBTQ youth – lead to equitable opportunities to thrive.

Youth homelessness is preventable, and prevention requires better coordination and resources for multiple systems and programs including behavioral and physical health, child welfare, education, employment, housing, justice, and outreach. It also requires prioritizing racial and LGBTQ equity and centering those with lived expertise in the creation of solutions and programs. How are communities in the Bay Area drawing on research, engaging with young adults to understand the challenges they face, and taking action together to ensure all young people have the best possible start in life?

Join NCG and Funders Together to End Homelessness to hear what youth with lived expertise and research tell us about how to prevent and end youth homelessness, learn about innovative projects to prevent Bay Area youth from experiencing homelessness and support their transition to adulthood, and understand how philanthropy can play a role to advance solutions by committing to racial and LGBTQ equity.