We are thrilled to announce that the Chicago Continuum of Care (CoC) has been awarded $15 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to address youth homelessness. The funding was announced at a press conference at Covenant House Illinois, a youth service provider located on Chicago’s west side.
This funding, through the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP, presents a historic opportunity to uplift and support young Chicagoans who have experienced homelessness. These funds will be made available after the Chicago CoC develops a comprehensive and strategic plan for ending youth homelessness.
This achievement was made possible through the active participation and input from the Youth Action Board (YAB) and other youth with lived experience of homelessness. During the application process, over 50 young individuals engaged in shaping our proposal, highlighting our commitment to youth-led and informed strategies. Moving forward, YAB – which has been guiding voice in the Chicago CoC since 2018 – will continue to play a pivotal role in the required planning process.
“This investment positions us to engage Chicago youth who are the unfortunate experts on experiencing homelessness,” said Carolyn Ross, President and CEO of All Chicago Making Homelessness History. “Their firsthand experiences are invaluable, and we look forward to the vision and insight they will bring to shaping our strategic plan.”
The funding was announced by HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Marion Mollegen McFadden, who stressed how impressive the Chicago application was. She emphasized the importance of “partnering with young people who have firsthand experience of homelessness to shape programs that work.”
Thank you to the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), the Mayor’s Office, and all the youth service providers who contributed to the application. View the application narrative and HUD’s Press Release linked below.
