The Charlotte County Youth Action Board (YAB) is a vital decision-making body within the Charlotte County Continuum of Care (CoC), leading efforts to prevent and end youth homelessness in our community. Composed entirely of youth under 24 with lived experience of homelessness or involvement in public systems such as foster care, juvenile justice, or domestic violence services, the YAB ensures that the voices of young people are at the forefront of every decision.
Key Responsibilities:
• Developing the Coordinated Community Plan (CCP): The YAB leads the creation of this comprehensive plan to address youth homelessness in Charlotte County.
• Partner Selection: They design the Request for Proposals (RFP) for YHDP funding, score submissions, and select partners to implement the plan.
• Project Oversight: The YAB monitors funded projects, ensuring they meet objectives and recommending improvements as needed.
Diversity and Inclusion:
The YAB is committed to representing historically underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ youth, BIPOC youth, and pregnant or parenting teens. This ensures an equitable and inclusive approach to addressing youth homelessness.
Collaboration with the CoC:
YAB members serve as voting representatives on the CoC Stakeholders Council and participate in CoC Committees, providing critical input and ensuring youth-related priorities are integrated into broader homelessness strategies.
Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP):
As part of the YHDP, Charlotte County has been awarded $1,130,108 to combat youth homelessness. Guided by the YAB, this funding supports innovative solutions and collaborative efforts outlined in the Coordinated Community Plan to build a future where no youth in Charlotte County faces homelessness.
For more information about the YAB or to learn how you can support their work, contact us today.