The IA BoS CoC Youth Initiatives are focused on creating a more seamless system of care for youth aged 18-24 through a coordinated community approach addressing systemic change. Across the state youth are represented in this work through Youth Action Boards regionally and through our CoC Youth Action Board task group.
Youth Homelessness System Improvement
Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) funds were awarded to focus on systemic change by funding projects that create and build capacity for Youth Action Boards; collect and use data on at-risk youth and youth experiencing homelessness; develop strong leaders within a community; and improve the coordination, communication, operation, and administration of homeless assistance projects to better serve youth, including prevention and diversion strategies. these grants are designed to make and improve connections, coordination, and information sharing within and between systems that serve at-risk youth, including education, child welfare, and juvenile justice.
As part of the YHSI process, milestones/goals were created to focus the work. Milestones include:
Youth leadership development;
Building out additional locations for Youth Action Boards (YAB) across the CoC;
Collaborating with the Department of Health & Human Services and Department of Education to create discharge/transition process and toolkits; and
Training for youth serving professional in the community with attention to trauma-informed care and positive youth development (PYD).
To get more detail on the Milestones, contact CoC staff.
Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
Youth Homeless Demonstration Program (YHDP) focuses on developing and implementing a coordinated community approach for the CoC to prevent and end youth homelessness.
The Iowa Balance of State Continuum of Care was awarded $6.7M in Round 8 YHDP funding. With that funding:
Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) will be utilizing planning funds through YHDP to create and implement a Coordinated Community Plan (CCP).
Projects to support preventing and ending youth homelessness will utilize eligible funds through a local competition process.
Resources and Links:
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Click here to view the submitted YHDP Application.
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Click here to view HUD resources.
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Description text As part of the YHDP process, a Coordinated Community Plan (CCP) was created to focus the work. The CCP lays the groundwork for YHDP implementation and provide a framework for the various projects for which the Project Applicants will apply. The purpose of these projects is to demonstrate how a coordinated community approach to serving homeless youth, age 24 and younger, can dramatically reduce homelessness.
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Youth Action Boards
The Youth Action Board (YAB) focuses on local youth perspective in addressing homelessness. YAB’s emphasize youth led discussion and advocacy efforts. YAB members across the state of Iowa influence policies, programs, and advocate for resources in their local communities.
The IA BoS CoC recognizes the importance of youth involvement in driving change of homelessness systems.
YAB Member benefits include:
Leadership skills training
Engagement in community advocacy
Event planning, task group involvement, and more
Engaged YAB members receive compensation for their time.
Our local YAB’s meet on a monthly basis and have virtual and in person options.
Ames: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1 pm
Iowa City: 3rd Thursday of each month at 1 pm
Marshalltown: 4th Tuesday of each month at 5pm
Meeting information can be found on our Events Page of the website.
If you are interested in joining a local YAB or have questions, please contact Jason Smith.
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