Congressmen Krishnamoorthi and Schiff Introduce Legislation to Create Commission to Address Youth Homelessness

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Adam B. Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Commission on Youth Homelessness Act, legislation which would create a commission to report on how state and federal laws have negatively impacted youth at risk of homelessness. Due to an increased presence of asylum-seeking individuals, 22 percent of all people under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness are unaccompanied youth. The commission will present its report to Congress along with policy proposals and recommendations, potentially including non-discriminatory housing applications, employment safeguards, and substance use services for youth and young adults.

“The number of people experiencing homelessness reached record levels in 2023, and children and young adults are among the most vulnerable,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “Far too many Americans are facing homelessness, and it is our responsibility in Congress to collect a more comprehensive look at the problem and to invest in homelessness prevention, housing assistance, and emergency shelter for those who need it. Our Commission on Youth Homelessness Act takes direct aim at the root causes of homelessness by bringing impacted youth to the table and by presenting Congress with policy solutions to address this housing crisis.” 

“Young adults — including unaccompanied youth — are experiencing homelessness at alarming rates. We need evidence-based solutions that connect youth with safe housing and the resources and services they need to thrive,” said Rep. Schiff.

"When you begin a task, have the determination to see it through to completion. This commission marks the beginning of our efforts to actively prevent and end youth homelessness, recognizing that the wellbeing of our youth and young adults is invaluable." – Marcella Middleton, Executive Director, A Way Home America

Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MN), and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) are original co-sponsors of the Commission on Youth Homelessness Act. Organizations in support of the bill include: A Way Home America, The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), Covenant House International, National Homelessness Law Center, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Point Source Youth, True Colors United, Youth Collaboratory, Larkin Street Youth Services (San Francisco, CA), and SaySo (Durham, NC).

The full text of the bill is available here.