The Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
Posted July 23, 2026
About this opportunity
Opportunity Overview
The Department of Health and Human Services is providing funding through the Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program to identify and implement strategies for preventing homelessness among youth and young adults aged 12 to 26. This program focuses on serving populations with a high likelihood of experiencing homelessness, including those at risk of human trafficking, struggling with substance abuse or mental health concerns, or transitioning out of foster care. The program aims to address reasons youth become homeless, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, and family dynamics. Grant recipients will work with youth who have experienced homelessness to design and implement projects, including establishing local youth advisory boards. The program also requires participation in a federally sponsored evaluation. The Department of Health and Human Services, a federal agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans, is well-positioned to address the complex issue of youth homelessness. With a budget of over $1 trillion and a workforce of over 80,000 employees, the department has a significant impact on the nation's healthcare and social services. The Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program is one of the department's initiatives aimed at preventing homelessness among youth and young adults. The department's experience in addressing social issues, such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare, will be crucial in implementing this program. The United States, where this program will be implemented, has a significant homeless youth population. According to recent estimates, over 1.3 million youth experience homelessness each year. The program's primary prevention efforts will focus on addressing the root causes of youth homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, and family dynamics. By providing funding to support strategies and services, the program aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. The program will be implemented in various regions across the United States, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. For example, urban areas like New York City and Los Angeles have high costs of living, while rural areas may face limited access to resources and services. Living and working in the United States can be challenging, especially for those experiencing homelessness. The cost of living varies significantly across different regions, with cities like New York and San Francisco being among the most expensive. However, many organizations and government agencies are working to address the issue of homelessness, and the Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program is one such initiative. Grant recipients will have the opportunity to work with local communities and youth who have experienced homelessness to design and implement projects that address the root causes of homelessness. They will also have access to a network of organizations and agencies that provide support services, such as housing assistance, mental health counseling, and job training.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with youth who have experienced homelessness to inform the design and implementation of projects
- Establish local youth advisory boards to ensure that the needs and concerns of youth are addressed
- Participate in a federally sponsored evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the program
- Design and implement projects that address the root causes of youth homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, and family dynamics
- Work with local communities to provide services and support to youth and young adults who are at risk of experiencing homelessness
- Develop and implement strategies to engage youth in the project planning and implementation process
- Establish partnerships with local organizations and agencies to leverage resources and expertise
- Monitor and evaluate project progress to ensure that goals and objectives are being met
Benefits
- Award ceiling: $500,000
- Award floor: $350,000
- Number of awards: 14
Eligibility
- Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) are not eligible
- Applications from foreign entities are not eligible
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience working with youth who have experienced homelessness
- Knowledge of the root causes of youth homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, poverty, and family dynamics
- Ability to collaborate with local communities and organizations to design and implement projects
- Experience with program evaluation and assessment
- Strong communication and project management skills
- Ability to work with diverse populations, including youth who have experienced trauma or have disabilities
- Knowledge of local resources and services that can be leveraged to support project goals
How to Apply
- Review the funding opportunity announcement carefully.
- Prepare a proposal that addresses the program's goals and objectives.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Official Application Strategy & Insights
Selection Committee Priorities
- β’Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in United States to Department of Health and Human Services's strategic goals.
- β’Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- β’Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
Required Document Verification
Ready to apply?