Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project
We envision a future where no young person goes a night without a home.
Each year in the U.S.A., according to the NCSL, approximately
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youth and young adults
experience homelessness.
4.2 million
Of that,
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are unaccompanied minors.
700,000
So, what is the New Mexico Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project?
The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) in New Mexico is an initiative, through HUD, designed to reduce the number of youth which experience homelessness each year. The aim of the New Mexico YHDP is to support our New Mexico communities in the development and implementation of a coordinated community approach to preventing and ending youth homelessness.
new mexico housing youth project
YHDP for northern nm
the basics
From August 1, 2019 through May 31, 2022 the Northern New Mexico YHDP has successfully housed 226 individuals. These individuals were once youth experiencing homelessness, including unaccompanied and pregnant or parenting youth and their children, where no member of the household was older than 24. The project is able to prioritize housing placements for youth who are also part of special populations. Special populations included are the following:
- LGBTQ+ youth
- Minors (under age 18)
- Pregnant & parenting youth
- Youth involved with juvenile justice or foster care systems
- Victims of sexual trafficking & exploitation
- Native American youth
- Hispanic youth
- Lantinx youth
The Northern New Mexico Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP) began the planning process in July of 2018 after NMCEH was provisionally awarded $3.37 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a system to address youth homelessness in 14 northern New Mexico counties. During the application process a Youth Action Board ( YAB ) was founded to guide the planning and implementation of YHDP funded housing programs. Youth voice and input guides the YHDP through the leadership of YAB members. The YAB currently meets weekly every Thursday at 4:15pm-5:15pm to discuss solutions for unhoused or unstably housed youth in Northern New Mexico, as well as other topics relevant to the community.
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The Northern New Mexico YAB voted to change their name to Youth Advocacy Board to match member intention and passion. Following the conclusion of the 2 year demonstration phase of the grant, the Youth Advocacy Board also voted to rename the YHDP to New Mexico Housing Youth.
Our current partner agencies for northern new mexico yhdp
Currently, projects that are operating successfully will be eligible to renew on an annual basis through the Continuum of Care process. With the guidance, input, and votes from the YAB, several community providers were selected to provide services for youth/young adults experiencing homelessness through the Northern New Mexico YHDP. The agencies currently providing housing and/or services for youth through YHDP funding are:
Youth Shelters and Family Services: Rapid Re-Housing project to provide placement for youth ages 18 and over in Cibola, Los Alamos, McKinley, Sandoval and Santa Fe counties.
Dreamtree Project: Transitional Housing and Rapid Re-Housing units to provide placement for youth in Colfax, Harding, Taos and Union Counties; Rapid Re-Housing project to provide placement for youth in Rio Arriba County.
Samaritan House: Rapid Re-Housing project to provide placement for youth ages 18 and over in San Miguel, Mora and Quay Counties.
San Juan County Safe Communities, Inc.: Rapid Re-Housing project to provide placement for youth in San Juan County.
New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness: Coordinated Entry, Outreach, and Supportive Services Program for the 14-county area.
CONNECT WITH US
If you have any questions regarding the New Mexico Housing Youth Project:
Email: Elijah Jaramillo at elijah-j@nmceh.org
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FURTHER RESOURCES
For more information about the founding of the Northern New Mexico YHDP read:
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Get a copy of the Coordinated Community Plan for ending Youth Homelessness in Northern New Mexico:
For more information about YHDP: