Learn about Youth Homelessness Outreach Prevention and Education (HOPE) Month.

What Is Youth HOPE Month?

Youth Homelessness Outreach Prevention and Education (HOPE) Month, formerly known as National Runaway Prevention Month (NRPM), is a public awareness campaign which aims to bring greater attention to the issues of youth homelessness. It focuses on proactive outreach, prevention, and education to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Why the Change?

• Evolution of Youth Homelessness: Since 2001, when NRPM was started, the understanding of youth crises, including homelessness, has broadened. There is now a greater need to address a wider range of issues affecting youth and to reflect their diverse experiences. 
• Inclusion of Lived Experiences: Input from youth who have experienced homelessness has been prioritized in the development of Youth HOPE Month to ensure their perspectives shape effective and empathetic support systems.
• Expanding Goals and Audience: The campaign aims to resonate with a broad network of stakeholders, including federal partners, organizational allies, political leaders, and the public, especially youth.

Facts About Youth Homelessness

• Approximately 4.2 million youth (ages 13-25) experience some form of homelessness in the U.S. each year, with marginalized groups such as Black, LGBTQIA2S+, and unmarried/parenting youth facing higher rates.
• Most youth do not become homeless by choice. The causes are complex and not due to a single incident or issue. Certain risk factors can increase a young person’s chances of experiencing homelessness.
• Many different factors contribute to the youth experiencing homelessness, including poverty, gaps in foster care, lack of affordable housing, and racial discrimination.
• Youth experiencing homelessness are at greater risk of physical, mental, and emotional illness, assault, and suicide.

How To Get Involved

Partners including federal agencies, local organizations, and community members are encouraged to unite in support of solutions to youth homelessness to foster a brighter future. Together, we can create pathways to stability, security, and opportunity for every young person in need. Stakeholders at all levels, including federal partners, local organizations, and community members, are encouraged to: 

• Promote Awareness: Use social media and local events to spread the word about youth homelessness and the support available.
• Provide Resources: Share information on where and how youth can get help.
• Engage in Advocacy: Advocate for policies and support systems that benefit youth experiencing homelessness.
• Participate in National Events: Wear Green Day, educational webinars, and awareness weeks.
• Sponsor Local Activities: Social media campaigns, community fairs, resource provision, building light-ups, and sleep-outs to raise awareness and support for youth in crisis. Participants are encouraged to use these elements and introduce new tactics to amplify the message of Youth HOPE Month