Voices from the street: homeless youth speak out on state policy
What's New
In April 2013, the California Homeless Youth Project (HYP) released Hidden in Plain Sight: An Assessment of Youth Inclusion in Point-in-Time Counts of California's Unsheltered Homeless Population, by Colette Auerswald, Jessica Lin, Laura Petry, and Shahera Hyatt. In this report, the HYP outlines the challenges and successes of communities across California in counting homeless youth during the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Point-in-Time count. The report highlights best practices for counting unaccompanied minors and transition aged youth experiencing homelessness. For a brief overview, please see the Executive Summary.
"Finding My Safe Haven"
California Homeless Youth Project
The California Homeless Youth Project (HYP) is a research and policy initiative that highlights the issues and challenges faced by unaccompanied young people who are homeless or lack stable housing. The HYP features the voices of youth describing their experiences and their recommendations for policy change.
.... I would offer work clothes and street clothes and dress shoes…. I would create a bus line across the country and pick up as many people as possible, and have educational tools. (19 year-old describes how he would help his homeless peers.)
This website provides state and local policymakers and others with information and policy resources specific to unaccompanied homeless youth, with a focus on young people in California. Check our publications and the policy resources to learn:
- Who are unaccompanied homeless youth?
- How many homeless youth are there in California?
- Why are they homeless?
- What challenges do they face?
For brief answers to these questions, see our latest fact sheet, Youth Homelessness in California: A Quick Overview.
In addition, the HYP provides policymakers with opportunities for in-depth learning experiences, including site visits and discussions with service providers, youth, and researchers. Contact us to discuss these opportunities.