The Primary Prevention Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
This grant funds programs to prevent homelessness among high-risk youth ages 12–26 by addressing root causes and involving youth with lived experience in project design and evaluation.
Funder: Administration for Children & Families - ACYF/FYSB
Due Dates: August 17, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $350,000–$500,000 per award | 14 awards expected | $7,000,000 total program funding | 24-month project period, no renewals
Summary: Funding to plan and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent homelessness among youth and young adults ages 12–26, with a focus on high-risk populations and primary prevention.
Key Information: Requires cost sharing; participation in a federal evaluation is mandatory.
Description
This opportunity supports projects that identify, plan, and implement primary prevention strategies to prevent homelessness among youth and young adults aged 12–26. Emphasis is placed on serving populations at high risk of homelessness, such as youth at risk of human trafficking, those with substance abuse or mental health concerns, and those transitioning from foster care, juvenile justice, or behavioral health systems. Projects should address root causes of homelessness, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, and family dynamics, and must engage youth with lived experience in both design and implementation.
Funded projects will proceed in two phases: a 6-month planning phase to develop a comprehensive Primary Prevention Plan, followed by an 18-month implementation phase. Recipients are required to establish local youth advisory boards, collaborate with community partners, and participate in a federally sponsored evaluation. The program aligns with the ACF’s "A Home for Every Child" initiative and prioritizes evidence-based, cross-system, and collaborative approaches.
