What does Preamble of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to award grants to eligible entities. The grants are intended to support the prevention of youth homelessness.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Appropriate committees of Congress” includes specific committees from the Senate and House of Representatives. “At-risk of homelessness” is determined by the Secretary based on research, data, and individual circumstances. “Continuum of Care” is defined by reference to existing regulations. “Covered individual” includes individuals aged 12-26 at risk of homelessness or transitioning out of certain systems, as well as children of such individuals. “Eligible entity” includes state agencies, local governments, educational agencies, Continuums of Care, and entities eligible for assistance under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. “Homelessness” is defined using existing definitions from the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. “Prevention of homelessness” refers to reducing the likelihood of housed individuals imminently experiencing homelessness. “Secretary” refers to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. “State” includes states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

What does PREVENTING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS DEMONSTRATION GRANT PROGRAM. of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant Program to provide grants to eligible entities. The Secretary must consult with various federal agencies, including Housing and Urban Development, the Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Education, when establishing the Program. Eligible entities applying for grants must submit a coordinated community prevention plan assessing needs and outlining strategies for supporting at-risk individuals. Grants are awarded based on factors such as partnerships with local stakeholders, geographic diversity, and avoidance of duplication with other programs. Each fiscal year, a portion of grant funding is reserved for Indian Tribes/Native Hawaiian organizations, rural areas, and entities that previously received grants under a related program. Grants have a term of five years, with amounts ranging from $3,000,000 to $7,500,000. Grant funds must be used for prevention activities, including case management, health services, and financial assistance, guided by a Youth Homelessness Prevention Council. The Federal share of a project cannot exceed 90 percent, but waivers may be granted based on financial need. Recipients must submit annual reports detailing fund usage, evaluation, and progress towards objectives. Eligible entities can use up to 10 percent of grant funds for administrative costs. Funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing funding sources. The Secretary may reserve up to 10 percent of funds for program implementation and technical assistance. Authorizations of appropriations are provided for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.

What does PREVENTING YOUTH HOMELESSNESS CAPACITY GRANT PROGRAM. of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the Preventing Youth Homelessness Capacity Grant Program to assist eligible entities in assessing the causes and extent of homelessness among covered individuals. The Secretary must consult with various federal agencies, including Housing and Urban Development, the Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Education, when establishing the program. Eligible entities applying for grants must submit a coordinated community capacity-building plan detailing collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, Continuums of Care, and housing providers. Grant funds are intended to support the identification and measurement of factors contributing to youth homelessness and the development of related tools and systems. The Secretary will consider factors such as partnerships with local stakeholders, geographic diversity, and the potential for duplication of services when awarding grants. Each fiscal year, a minimum of 5% of grant funding is reserved for Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and another 5% for entities serving rural areas. Grants awarded under this program will have a term of 18 months, with amounts ranging from $500,000 to $1,500,000. The Federal share of project costs generally cannot exceed 90%, but waivers may be granted based on financial need. Recipients must submit a report detailing the use of grant funds and progress toward objectives within 18 months of receiving the grant. Funds are intended to supplement, not supplant, existing federal, state, tribal, and local funding.

What does REPORTING AND EVALUATION. of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes reporting requirements for the Secretary, requiring a report to Congress every two years detailing evaluations of activities carried out under the Act and a list of grants awarded. The Secretary must make these reports publicly available online in an accessible and searchable format, including accessibility for individuals with disabilities and in languages other than English. The Secretary is authorized to contract and enter into arrangements to evaluate the impact of grants, develop data methods, and promote best practices for preventing homelessness. The Secretary is required to consult with various entities, including federal agencies, organizations working to prevent homelessness, researchers, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness. The Secretary shall provide technical support and assistance to grant recipients and eligible entities. Appropriations are authorized to carry out the provisions of this section, with funds remaining available until expended.

What does GENERAL PROVISIONS. of Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes nondiscrimination requirements for programs and activities funded by the Act. Individuals in the United States cannot be excluded from participation, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability in such programs. The Secretary is responsible for enforcing these nondiscrimination provisions through regulations and actions consistent with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Judicial review of actions taken by the Secretary is available as provided in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Office of Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services is authorized to receive up to $1,000,000 annually for four fiscal years for audits and oversight of funds used to carry out the Act.

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Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Patty Murray (D-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Preventing Youth Homelessness Demonstration Grant Program providing grants of $3,000,000 to $7,500,000 over five years to eligible entities for prevention activities like case management and financial assistance.
A separate Preventing Youth Homelessness Capacity Grant Program is created, offering grants of $500,000 to $1,500,000 for 18 months to assess the causes and extent of youth homelessness and develop related tools.
The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consult with federal agencies and stakeholders when establishing and overseeing both grant programs.
It mandates that a portion of grant funding be reserved annually for Indian Tribes/Native Hawaiian organizations and entities serving rural areas.
The bill establishes reporting and evaluation requirements, including a bi-annual report to Congress detailing program evaluations and grant awards, and requires nondiscrimination protections in funded programs.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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