FY 2011 Appropriations: Runaway and Homeless Youth Act

Date: 23 Feb 2010

Files:

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs are essential to prevent exploitation of youth on the streets and to support reconnection to their families, schools, employment, and housing options. America’s homeless youth are denied services because communities lack outreach, shelter, and housing programs. In 2008, the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act programs served over 740,000 homeless youth, yet less than 45,000 received access to a shelter bed. Congress could offer necessary, crisis services for homeless youth by appropriating $165 million in fiscal year (FY) 2011 for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) programs.

This two-page brief includes information on:

• How widespread homelessness is among youth
• Causes of youth homelessness
• Number of homeless youth who are turned away from services
• How homeless youth programs are cost-effective

To download the full brief, click here.