We advocated for the expansion of the CityFHEPS program so that Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) could finally have a chance at stability and safety. But rather than expanding CityFHEPS, the final budget included a significantly scaled down housing voucher program, the City Housing Assistance Program (CHAP). Although we celebrate the fact that RHY in DYCD-funded shelter will qualify for CHAP, the vast majority of the RHY we serve are not in shelter. Additionally, this program has a hard capped budget, meaning no more vouchers will be issued once the funding is spent. Yet again, young adults will be competing for limited resources from a system that has long overlooked them.
We are tired of temporary fixes and stopgap solutions—our youth have waited far too long for support and deserve a real pathway out of homelessness. Safety is a human right, and access to safe and affordable housing is critical for safety and healing. We won’t stop fighting for the young people around us.
-Sebastien Vante, AVP, Streetwork Project