Congressman Cohen Announces $3.4 Million Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program for Memphis and Shelby County

MEMPHIS - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced that Memphis and Shelby County's continuum of care organization, the Community Alliance for the Homeless, will receive a grant of $3,444,180 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a youth homelessness prevention demonstration program.

The grant is part of $142 million awarded to 33 communities across the country to support a wide range of housing programs including rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and host homes.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

'Our local homeless problem was made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. This funding is both sorely needed and timely. Young people without reliable housing are particularly vulnerable so HUD's targeting of this need is particularly welcome.'

According to HUD, Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) recipients will use this funding address youth homelessness that is specifically tailored to their needs, including funding for housing units, wrap-around services and housing support. YHDP will also support youth-focused performance measurement and coordinated entry systems. Over the next several months, selected communities will work with their youth advisory boards, child welfare agencies, and other community partners to create a comprehensive community plan to end youth homelessness. The awarded communities will also participate in a program evaluation to inform the federal effort to prevent and end youth homelessness going forward and will serve as leaders in the nation on the work to end homelessness among young people.

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