HUD’s Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) is seeking feedback from tribal leadership, tribal staff, and tribal members regarding the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP). A consultation session will be hosted via Webex on September 15 at 2 pm ET. HUD is also inviting tribal parties to submit written comments via email. (Those sending an email should include “Tribal Consultation” in the subject line.)
Congress approved $72 million in YHDP grants through the “Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022,” with communities with substantially rural populations receiving priority. HUD is now seeking feedback regarding how the funds should be awarded. HUD’s desire to consult with tribes comes after the Biden administration committed to “regular, meaningful, and robust consultation with Tribal Nations” in a January 2021 memorandum (see Memo, 2/01/2021). HUD called input from tribal leaders “essential” for developing the department’s programs and observed that “these calls are an opportunity for HUD to learn more from Tribal leadership and members regarding the needs of Tribal youth at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.”
Read the “Dear Tribal Leader” letter announcing the consultation here: https://bit.ly/3Qod7IA
Tribal leaders, staff, and members can attend the September 15 consultation using this link: https://ems8.intellor.com/login/844908
Tribal leaders and other tribal-affiliated housing advocates can submit written comments regarding YHDP to: [email protected]
Non-tribal housing advocates can submit feedback on youth homelessness to: [email protected]