Since 2016, youth homelessness has decreased by 40% — meaning 10,000 young people are no longer homeless.

This is significant progress. Washington's approaches are working.

But more work is needed to achieve our goal of ending youth and young adult homelessness completely.

The legislature must maintain funding for youth and young adult homelessness prevention programs.

Tell the legislature to support an operating budget that reflects the House budget language with an appropriation of $4 million to HPDF.

Smiling person in a hoodie outdoors with blurred cityscape background.

Contact your legislators.

Urge them to fund youth homelessness programs.

2025 Legisative Priorities

Top Priority

  • Homeless Prevention and Diversion Fund (HPDF)
    We request that the $4 million in one-time funding be carried forward, which would maintain the total HPDF funding at $5 million. This program resides within the Office of Homeless Youth.

Additional Priorities

  • Bridge Housing Post-Inpatient Housing Program
    Building off SHB 1929, this request would add two intermediate housing models and one long-term housing model. The total budget request is $6 million, with funding administered by the Health Care Authority (HCA).  NorthStar Advocates has agreed to reduce the request to one additional 90 housing program cutting in half the fiscal note to $3m biennium. Bridge Housing is consistent with SB 6560 ensuring all young people exiting a system of care do so with safe housing.  

  • Homeless Student Stability Program
    This grant provides vital housing support services to students and their families. We are requesting $2.6 million in one-time funding to be made carry forward. This funding resides within OSPI.

  • Protected Health Care Grants
    This grant provides access to protected healthcare options for young people gender-affirming care and/or reproductive care. We are requesting $2 million in one-time funding be made carry forward.

  • Washington Youth and Families Fund
    This grant supports innovative housing interventions that are culturally appropriate. We are requesting $1 million in one-time funding to be made carry forward.

Close-up of a man with dark hair and a neutral expression on a city street, blurred background.
Girl sitting on concrete steps wearing a floral shirt and ripped jeans, looking thoughtful with a backpack.

Lend your voice.

Washington State has made great strides in ending youth homelessness, and these efforts must continue.

Urge your legislator to support funding for programs that prevent homelessness for youth and young adults.

  • A young person looking up, surrounded by text about increasing graduation rates for homeless students in Washington State. Purple and blue text highlights a 37% increase in 9 years, and emphasizes the role of schools in addressing youth homelessness. Illustrations of graduation caps and arrows are included.
  • Infographic showing a map of Washington State with the text '94% of Washington State.' Above, a message reads 'Today, young people experiencing homelessness can find services in more than.' Background image features a street with buildings and trees.
  • Infographic on youth homelessness reduction in Washington with young woman on yellow couch. Text highlights a 40% decrease, from 23,961 in 2016 to 14,410 in 2022. Bowl of popcorn and stack of books on table.
  • Young man smiling with text overlay about preventing youth homelessness by providing stable housing for those leaving public support systems, highlighting a 29% decrease in homelessness among young people in Washington State over five years.

About WACHYA

The Washington Coalition for Homeless Youth Advocacy (WACHYA) is a statewide partnership of providers, funders, and advocates dedicated to improving the lives of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.

WACHYA’s vision is that every night, every homeless youth in Washington state has a safe place to stay and the support they need to thrive and achieve a healthy adulthood.

WACHYA members are located throughout Washington state, and represent a variety of youth-focused organizations.

Young girl sitting on a couch with a floral blanket, wearing a cozy pajama top.

Advocacy

On our members' behalf, WACHYA advocates for legislation to support homeless youth and young adults.

You can support our legislative efforts by contacting your legislator to voice your support for maintaining funding for programs to support youth and young people experiencing homelessness.

A woman holding a baby in a park, with the baby wearing a pink dress.

Learn More

Learn about the Washington State Office of Homeless Youth and the programs that are successfully supporting homeless youth and young adults.