S. 4261: Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026

The Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 aims to address and reduce youth homelessness in the United States. The bill establishes two primary grant programs - the Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant Program and the Preventing Youth Homelessness Capacity Grant Program.

Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant Program

The demonstration grant program will be managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who will provide grants to eligible entities. The main objectives are to identify and implement strategies to prevent homelessness among youths aged 12 to 26 who are at-risk or transitioning from various systems such as foster care or the juvenile justice system.

• Eligible Entities: These include state agencies, local governments, educational agencies, Continuums of Care, and tribal organizations.
• Grant Application: Entities must submit a plan outlining how they will identify at-risk individuals, the scope of need in their community, and how grant funds will be used.
• Funding Allocation: The total amount for these grants will be at least $3 million and not exceed $7.5 million per grant, over a period of five years.
• Use of Funds: Funds will support various interventions, including case management, health services, employment training, and temporary housing assistance.

Preventing Youth Homelessness Capacity Grant Program

This second program is designed to provide planning grants to eligible entities to assess the causes and extent of youth homelessness in their communities, enabling them to effectively apply for the demonstration grants.

• Focus on Planning: Funds will be used to identify collaborators, assess community needs, and develop measurement tools for homelessness among youths.
• Application Requirements: Applications will include detailed community capacity-building plans that outline intended actions and collaborations.
• Funding Amount: Grants will range from $500,000 to $1.5 million and will last for 18 months.

Oversight and Reporting

Both programs will require regular reporting and evaluation by grant recipients to ensure accountability. Reports will detail the use of funds, effectiveness of interventions, and progress towards achieving program goals. The Secretary will also be responsible for providing technical support and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $85 million for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 for the demonstration program and $20 million for the capacity program.

Targeted Youth Population

The bill defines "covered individuals" as those aged 12 to 26 who are at risk of homelessness or transitioning from public systems like foster care, as well as the children of such individuals. It aims to foster collaboration between diverse organizations that address the needs of this population.

Prevention Strategies

Grant activities will focus on comprehensive well-being services that foster resilience and stability for at-risk youths. These may include educational programming, career training, immediate crisis intervention, behavioral health services, and support for young parents.

Compliance and Non-Discrimination

The bill also includes provisions to ensure non-discriminatory practices in all programs funded under this act, reinforcing equal access regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability.

Relevant Companies

None found.