More than just a seat at the table: the power of youth voice in ending youth homelessness in the United States

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Youth Housing and Homelessness Services

“…Housing and homelessness programs must offer flexible services and be prepared to regularly pivot or adjust their approach to service delivery based on available funding sources, environmental and situational factors, and the needs of their clients (Kelly & Caputo, 2007). Such shifts in programming may involve streamlining services in response to funding cuts (Caputo et al, 1996;Kelly & Caputo, 2007;McCreary, 2002) or iterating services in response to client needs and preferences (Caputo et al, 1996;Cavet & Sloper, 2004;Head, 2011;Schoenfeld et al, 2018). Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in youth homelessness service providers making adjustments to their programming; however, most work to date has highlighted changes occurring in homelessness services more broadly (vs. youth services specifically) and challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness.…”