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Working to End Youth Homelessness

The Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) works with partners to end youth homelessness. Homelessness affects youth across Oregon in urban, suburban and rural areas. We believe all young people should have safe and stable places to stay. They also should have the services and supports they need to thrive, and opportunities to reach their full potential. The program enhances youth services. It supports a network of community partners throughout Oregon.

ServicesAdvisory committeePilot projectsContact us Partner resources Youth resources

Services

Services are provided through community partners and include:

​Overnight crisis housing to meet a youth’s immediate need.​

Housing for up to 24 months for youth who are old enough to work toward living independently. ​Youth live in community settings that also provide resources to teach life skills. Youth receiving these services also get assistance from a case manager for six months up to a year.

Temporary housing for youth aged 16 to 21. Homes are provided through approved volunteers who host youth in their own homes.​​​

​Provide assistance finding housing. May supply snacks, laundry and showers. Help can include support to complete schoolwork or apply for a job. Referrals provided to other services. Services are offered throughout the community including some parks, libraries and community centers.​​

Help to meet the specific housing needs of youth of color, refugees, indigenous youth, members of Tribal communities and youth who identify as LGBTQIA2S+.​

Help to qualify for financial assistance for education. Assistance is for youth experiencing homelessness who want to attend a community college or public university.​

Direct cash assistance pilots

YEHP operates two pilots that provide direct cash assistance to eligible young adults. Those pilots are:

Direct Cash Transfer

The Direct Cash Transfer Pilot supports 120 youth aged 18 to 24 through the pilot’s partners. Youth are given monthly cash support for up to 24 months. The cash support is given to youth facing ongoing needs, as they work to achieve secure and stable housing. This pilot is not currently accepting new participants.

Targeted Housing Assistance

The Targeted Housing Assistance Program (THAP) Foster Youth Pilot includes partnerships with Point Source Youth and Jackson Street Youth Services, It focuses on helping young people who have experienced foster care in the child welfare system and are stepping into independence. It provides one-time cash assistance to help them get stable housing.

Learn more about these and other YEHP pilots

Community partners

List of community partners providing services

Contact us

Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program
500 Summer St NE
Salem, OR 97301
How to get help

Program Manager
Matthew Rasmussen, 503-602-1087, matthew.rasmussen@odhs.oregon.gov

Community Engagement and Youth Housing Coordinator
Jennifer Kellam, 971-258-3773, jennifer.kellam@odhs.oregon.gov

Strategic Youth Engagement Coordinator
Brianna Rubio, 541-280-9228, brianna.a.rubio@odhs.oregon.gov

Community Engagement and Partner Support Analyst
Mel Keller, 971-372-9869, mel.a.keller@odhs.oregon.gov

Systems Change Coordinator
Adam Jenkins, 971-372-9749, adam.n.jenkins@odhs.oregon.gov

Performance and Provider Training Specialist
Kirstin London, 971-209-9604, kirstin.d.london@odhs.oregon.gov

Administrative Support Specialist
Freya Nehila, 971-372-9266, freya.nehila@odhs.oregon.gov