Policy Action: Support The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA)

Send your letter of support to your local U.S. Congressional Representative now! 

Senator Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Collins (R-ME) introduced the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act, S. 2646, to reauthorize the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) (42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.), which expires September 30, 2014.

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA), administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), funds three key pillars of intervention to help homeless youth:

•  Street Outreach: provides education, treatment, counseling and referrals to vital services
• Basic Center: provides temporary shelter, counseling, family reunification services and aftercare services
• Transitional Living: provides longer term housing with supportive services, including Maternal Group Homes

For more than 35 years these interventions have been the foundation for the development of a continuum of services and network of providers for homeless and exploited youth, with an emphasis on family reunification when possible, and supportive housing options for those who are not able to return home or find stable housing on their own.

Attached is a sample letter you can use (provided by the National Youth Network). 

Template Letter of Support RHYA 2014 Reauthorization_0

Visit the National Network for Youth website for more information!