This session was part of the 2023 National Symposium on Solutions to End Youth Homelessness. It examines the importance of de-stigmatizing substance usage and utilizing a housing-first approach to explore the importance of housing all youth, including those using substances. It also discusses best practices on how providers and organizations can ensure that their programs and policies aren’t exclusionary to people using substances.

Speakers:

• Pauli Cakes, Founder of xCakes, Program Committee Member of Point Source Youth
• Presto Crespo, Coordinator of Support Services, NEXT distro
• Christina Love, Advocacy Initiative Senior Specialist, The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault