New Hampshire To Receive Over $3.4 Million to Combat Youth Homelessness

Members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation are applauding the announcement that the Granite State will receive $3,412,971 to combat youth homelessness.

The funding was awarded to two recipients through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.

The New Hampshire Balance of State Continuum of Care will receive $2,209,513 and the Manchester Continuum of Care will receive $1,203,458, according to a press release.

Recipients will work with youth advisory boards, child welfare agencies and other partners to create a comprehensive community plan to combat youth homelessness while participating in a program evaluation to inform federal decisions.

In January of 2020, New Hampshire had an estimated 1,675 people experiencing homelessness on any given day. Of that, 219 were family households and 65 were unnacompannied young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, according to officials at the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH, said this money will support efforts throughout New Hampshire.

“No child in New Hampshire should ever have to experience homelessness. Sadly, it’s estimated that approximately 15,000 young people will experience some form of homelessness this year in our state. This housing emergency demands meaningful action,” Shaheen said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, said she is grateful for the advocacy of people around the country who work to address the problem of youth homelessness.

“The COVID-19 Pandemic has exacerbated many inequities in our society and economy, including the glaring problem of youth homelessness.  As we grapple with the challenges of recovering from the pandemic, rebuilding our economy, and working to regain a sense of normalcy, this funding will go a long way in helping alleviate the unique challenges faced by a particularly vulnerable population, helping our young people find shelter and a safe harbor," Hassan said.

U.S. Reps. Chris Pappas and Annie Kuster, both Democrats, said the money will help ensure vulnerable youth have a safe place to live.

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County in Dover is a regional access entry point for people experiencing housing insecurity on the Seacoast.