Homefront: The Voices of Youth Lived Experience





In this Newsletter

Read Where CSH is Making News

Youth Collaboration is Key

Young people facing housing instability and homelessness must have a seat at the decision-making table. In doing so they share and foster innovative and effective strategies that creates real system-wide change. CSH is sharing stories of youth collaboration, told by young people who are working to create an inclusive and equitable society. We are committed to elevating examples of how youth and young adults are creating impact through their experiences, and how we are listening and learning from them. Hear their stories by clicking here.

Youth Voices Speak Up! in Ohio

Young adults with lived-experience in Cincinnati, Ohio will be spending the next six-months participating in CSH's signature Speak Up! program. Working alongside volunteer coaches from Bespoken Live, a local storyteller group with a focus on social justice, our advocates in training are excited to help educate the community, learn to present their story in a way they control, make a difference in policy, and be with peers and professionals that see the world differently than what they normally encounter. CSH is excited to have a group of youth with lived-experience to inform advocacy efforts across the country.  Keep up with all of our Speak Up! advocates by following #CSHSpeakUp on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

RFP: Youth Collaboration Technical Assistance

CSH is seeking a subcontractor to provide technical assistance under the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP), funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs. The goal of YHDP is to prevent and end homelessness among youth and young adults by developing a coordinated community plan, creating cross-system partnerships, designing innovative service and housing solutions, and building national momentum. This subcontracting opportunity is aimed at building the capacity of youth, young adults, and adults in YHDP communities by incorporating the perspectives and insights of youth with lived experience to develop consumer-informed plans, policies, and practices. The deadline to apply is this Friday, August 9. Complete details are available here. 

FYI: Foster Youth to Independence

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) in Notice PIH 2019-20 (HA), a new initiative targeting housing assistance and supportive services to young people with a child welfare history who are at-risk-of or experiencing homelessness. HUD and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services held a webinar covering FYI eligibility for PHAs and for young people, details on how to request vouchers under the new initiative, tips on partnering with your local public child welfare agency and Continuum of Care, and strategies for targeting FYI- Tenant Protection Vouchers. The materials and webinar recording will be posted on HUD's FYI-TPV Initiative page as soon as they are available.

A Grand Challenge to End Youth Homelessness

A Way Home America has announced its Grand Challenge to End Youth Homelessness. Ten communities will be selected to receive support in ending homelessness among LGBTQ youth and youth of color, paving the way to solutions for ending homelessness for all youth. CSH is excited to participate in the Grand Challenge as a Community Coach, just part of the support selected communities will receive over a two-year period, lending our experience and expertise and providing continuity to other efforts happening across the country to end youth homelessness. Details about the Grand Challenge and how to apply are available here

Apply for the Ohio Supportive Housing Institute 

CSH is excited to announce its Opening New Doors, Dual Track Institute. Teams selected for the Institute will receive over 60 hours of training including individualized technical assistance. The Institute is designed to help supportive housing partners learn how to navigate the complex process of developing housing with support services and is expected to reduce the time it takes to obtain funding for supportive housing by improving the planning and development process. The Institute has a strong track record in Ohio, with graduates experiencing an 80% success rate in bringing projects into operation. Click here to access the application, due August 23.

Healthy Aging: Diabetes & Oral Health

Older adults with diabetes are at increased risk of poor oral health and periodontal disease, which may affect their overall health and quality of life. Join CSH for a webinar to address the burden of diabetes and periodontal disease among older adults who have experienced homelessness. Expert panelists from Harvard University's School of Dental Medicine, the Colorado Coalition, Trenton Health Team and DESC will review promising and evidence-based practices aimed at improving overall oral health among older adults with diabetes who are or have experienced homelessness. Click here to register for the August 22 webinar

RFP to Develop Strategic Plan in LA

CSH is seeking a consultant to work with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) to guide and execute a strategic plan. LACDA aims to bridge the gap between "where we are" and "where we want to be," by developing a hierarchy of plans that cascade from the agency's mission and vision statements to individual performance plans. Complete details and the RFP are available by clicking here

CSH Summit Save the Date!

Ten months from now, hundreds of leaders from every corner of the country will gather in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the national CSH Summit 2020. With perfect vision, we will clearly focus on supportive housing as the foundation for building better lives and thriving communities. CSH Summit 2020 will be held from Wednesday, May 27 through Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Plan to join us and save these dates on your calendar today! Please stay tuned to Homefront for additional information on registration and other details.

Professional Development Made Easy

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