YOUTH HOMELESSNESS
Formerly homeless youth participating in Sasha Bruce’s Independent Living Program took photographs to illustrate aspects of living on the streets.
Working with the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates, students then developed testimony about their experiences and the need for more funding to support programs addressing youth homelessness. The students presented their testimony during a hearing before the Department of Human Services and the Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.
Thanks to the students’ testimony and advocacy, Councilmember Marion Barry publicly committed to set aside up to $4 million for youth services and supports. DCAYA members and staff convened a meeting with staff from the offices of Councilmember Tommy Wells and Mayor Adrian Fenty to discuss long-term planning to end youth homelessness in the District. DCAYA staff also met with Dept. of Human Services Director Clarence Carter to discuss including youth as a key constituency in the strategic plan to end homelessness. Carter said youth had not previously been part of the conversation.
Formerly homeless youth participating in Sasha Bruce’s Independent Living Program took photographs to illustrate aspects of living on the streets.
Working with the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates, students then developed testimony about their experiences and the need for more funding to support programs addressing youth homelessness. The students presented their testimony during a hearing before the Department of Human Services and the Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.
Thanks to the students’ testimony and advocacy, Councilmember Marion Barry publicly committed to set aside up to $4 million for youth services and supports. DCAYA members and staff convened a meeting with staff from the offices of Councilmember Tommy Wells and Mayor Adrian Fenty to discuss long-term planning to end youth homelessness in the District. DCAYA staff also met with Dept. of Human Services Director Clarence Carter to discuss including youth as a key constituency in the strategic plan to end homelessness. Carter said youth had not previously been part of the conversation.
