This training is the first of a 3-part series on Housing First for Youth. This training begins with an exploration of current practices to address youth homelessness. The Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) program model was developed in response to research showing that traditional homelessness interventions have not been effective for youth.
As a program for youth who are at risk or experiencing homelessness, or as part of a broader youth homelessness prevention strategy, HF4Y is a promising practice that can be adapted to suit community needs. The HF4Y core principles and rights-based, youth-centered philosophy can be applied to provide access to housing and sustain exits from homelessness for youth. Participants will explore youth pathways into homelessness in order to better understand how a youth-oriented response to homelessness can be implemented.
Learning outcomes:
After completing this training, students will be able to:
- Recognize the unique causes and experiences of homelessness for young people
- Challenge assumptions about prevention and responses to youth homelessness
- Describe key features of a youth-focused model of housing and supports to support youth to return to stable housing and transition to adulthood
- Explore considerations for community responses to youth homelessness
- Identify strategies to prevent homelessness for specific populations of at-risk youth