Though one size does not fit all young people in regards to housing, the Housing First model should be explored for this population. Offering a low threshold model to young people may prevent a lifetime of homelessness for many young people in the long run. Research suggests that it may save money to taxpayers and programs in the long run.

Young adults 18 - 24 years old DO NOT belong in adult shelters. Specialized longer-term shelters (up to 6 mos) need to be established for young adults with or without their own children with age-appropriate services.

We should allow youth who are already homeless by federal definition to be able to go to post-secondary/college full time and still be able to be eligible for housing within HUD programs v. having to choose between becoming a full time college student and their housing.

Increase the maximum length of stay in youth/young adutl transitional housing programs to at least 3 years. After all, most 18-year olds go to college for 4 years and many of them still move back home after graduation. How can we expect their homeless counterparts, most of whom are facing greater challenges with fewer supports, to become self-suffient in 18 months.

Schools are a natural hub to provide support and services for students and families at risk of homelessness. Current funding is limited and, is only provided for families who are already homeless.

HUD is increasingly restricting its funding to housing only. The Department of Heath and Human Services has the capacity to offer funds for support services for housing projects funded by HUD>

Captialize the National Housing Trust Fund. Provide vouchers to make the units affordable. And build the capacity on nonprofit organizations to do the development in both urban and rural areas.

Street outreach is one of the most effective ways of contacting street youth and getting them into safe housing. Yet, funding for this federal program is pitiful. Same with the transitional living programs funded through FYSB.

Young adults are currently aging out of foster care and other residential plaements into homelessness--unprepared, with no funds, and little support. Much more planning must be made before youth leave residential placements, both in preparation for adulthood and for ensuring they have housing ,etc. upon exiting.

Create, train, and fund a case management model that teaches conflict resolution to teenagers and parents so that unaccompanied youth could return home, if the home is otherwise safe

Currently HUD, Dept. of Education & Health and Human Services all have different definitions and age ranges for homeless youth. I would recommend streamlining the three definitions into the definition of homeless youth and the age range that is identified by the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act & the Family and Youth Services Bureau.

Homophobia and Transphobia are social ills of importance like sexism, racism, classism, etc. Our country has a serious lack of education regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues and our policies towards marriage equality, Don't Ask Don't Tell, etc. only further the phobias.

According to a 2006 report , between 20 & 40 percent of homesless youth in the US identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. 26% of LGBT youth who come out to their parents are told to leave home. (National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Policy Institue and National Coalition for the Homeless).

Funding for drop in centers as a resource to be the link to re-connect the youth to community services.

Ensure youth access to HUD homeless assistance by changing the HUD definition of homelessness to include all homeless living arrangements experienced by youth and by removing disincentives to use of HUD homeless assistance funds for emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services.