by Cindy Gonzalez, Nebraska Examiner
November 1, 2024
OMAHA — An Omaha-based agency has been awarded about $8.5 million in federal funding over the next three years to help prevent homelessness among youths in a three-county area.
The competitive grant dollars went to Threshold CoC (Continuum of Care), which is designated as a lead agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the Omaha metro area.
The award, $2.85 million annually for three years, was announced this week in conjunction with Homeless Youth Awareness Month and targets young people ages 16 to 24 in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie Counties.
In all, HUD announced $72 million to fund youth homelessness efforts across 14 communities through its Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.
Jason Feldhaus, executive director of Threshold CoC, said the agency, previously known as Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless, is thrilled at the opportunity for the funding to become a permanent part of its budget if its programming over the next three years is successful.
He said the agency vied unsuccessfully for the grant in the past and appreciates the flexibility allowed in shaping programming to meet local needs.
“This grant allows us to also address youth who are couch-surfing,” he said. “So it allows prevention services but it still supports the traditional HUD strategies.”
Feldhaus said funds will be directed toward housing solutions such as rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing and host homes. They also can be allocated to rental assistance, health and wellness services and financial literacy.
In announcing the grants, HUD officials said it partnered with more than a dozen youths to review applications submitted for funding consideration.
Agencies that are selected are asked to establish Youth Action Boards, in which young people with lived experience lead the community effort to design, implement and improve programs and policies to end youth homelessness in their communities.
Threshold CoC, based at the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus, already had two young people with lived experience in homelessness on its board, said Feldhaus.
“They are really helping us drive good strategy and help us decide on future funding approaches,” he said, adding that they were helpful in efforts to cinch the new grant dollars.
HUD officials said the selected agencies are positioned to design solutions that match the needs of their respective communities, with special attention on creating equitable strategies to assist vulnerable homeless youths, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and differently abled persons.
This marked the eighth round of the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program funding.
“Including these awards, to date, HUD has awarded YHDP funding to 124 communities, representing a $512 million investment to prevent and end youth homelessness and pave the way to ensure that everyone has access to safe, stable housing,” said Marion McFadden, with HUD.
The awards ranged from $1.1 million to $15 million and went to 14 communities in 11 states.
Threshold CoC, since 1996 has led a coalition of regional partners who directly work with people experiencing or facing homelessness and with allies who advocate for policy reform. The coalition identifies gaps, advocates for systemic change and provides services.
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