CA Homeless Youth Project Blog

Act to change definition of homeless youth

Currently children who are living in motels and couch surfing are not classified as homeless within HUD’s definition. Meanwhile the Departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services do classify those youth to be homeless. The Homeless Children and Youth Act, HR 32 would amend HUD’s definition of homeless children and youth to include many that qualify for services and aren’t receiving them. This act would increase youth and families eligibility for services under these four programs or laws: Head Start, the Runaway Youth Act, the McKinny-Vento act governing education, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education act.

Kathryn