Remove barriers to services for homeless children, youth, and families
One of the listed goals for retooling the crisis response system is removing low barriers for services. This is very applicable for children and families who are living doubled-up or in motels, and may not be considered eligible for transitional housing and other HUD services if they don't meet the "imminent risk of homelessness" definition under HEARTH. The number of homeless children, youth, and families living in these situations continues to increase. Therefore, local service providers should have the freedom to assess the need in their community, and make decisions to prioritize these children, youth, and families for services based on need. In addition, when assessing these families or unaccompanied youth, the safety of their current situation needs to be taken into consideration. Doubled-up situations can be both stressful and dangerous, exposing children and youth to physical or ****** abuse by adults in the household, as well as put youth in danger of being trafficked. It is critical that these families are able to access services like transitional housing and other wraparound supports so they can achieve residential stability. Also, we appreciate and support your recent efforts to improve coordination of services between federal programs for children and youth, for this is also critical to improve outcomes. Specifically, it is vital that children, youth, and families receive mental health services and that children and youth receive educational supports so they can transition to a successful adulthood.
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Anonymous commented
YES!! While we have made impact on chronic homelessness, we are seeing family homelessness increase, and need to address this NOW by beginning to utilize funds to provide housing supports to those that are not prioritized for housing assistance, but are living in dangerous/risky conditions and situations. In particular, unaccompanied youth (NOT JUST THOSE OVER 18 YRS OLD) need to be sheltered and provided with a Host Home option.