Homeless Youth Need Access to Safe and Developmentally Appropriate Services

New York has the 2nd highest number of homeless youth nationwide, and there has been a 70% increase in unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness from 2023 to 2024. 

Despite this youth homelessness crisis, only 28 of 62 New York counties have Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) beds. Furthermore, more than half of RHY beds are in New York City, leaving upstate youth without adequate resources. 

Investing $22.1 million in the FY2027 State Budget will ensure shelters have enough beds statewide, providers are compensated adequately, and supportive programs are available for all youth. New York must act to ensure no young person is forced into adult shelters or onto the streets due to lack of youth-specific options.

Please use this one-minute Take Action tool to urge state leaders to invest $22.1 million to support the RHY system and youth.