Youth Navigation & Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP)
What is the YHDP Youth System Navigation Program?
The Youth Housing Demonstration Program (YHDP) Youth System Navigation Program supports unaccompanied and pregnant/parenting youth (18-24) facing housing instability or homelessness. It offers immediate assistance, mobile case management, personalized safety and service plans, and connections to community resources. The goal is to build independent living skills, prevent homelessness when possible, and help youth quickly secure safe, permanent housing.
Each eligible youth seeking services in the Memphis/Shelby County CoC is assigned a Youth System Navigator for individualized advocacy and support. The team identifies and diverts youth when possible and connects them to CES and housing resources. The team includes five Youth Navigators at local agencies to enhance collaboration and access, as well as one Housing Navigator at CAFTH, focused on engaging landlords to expand affordable housing for YYA.
Steps for Youth Age 18-24 Seeking Services:
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Reach Out To Get Enrolled in CES
Complete YHDP Assessment
Receive a Youth Navigator
Get Connected With Support
You can reach out by…
- presenting at a housing or service provider within the CES or in person
- calling a Youth System Navigator
- receiving a referral from a community service provider outside of the CES
- Ffilling out a service request form on CAFTH.org
This brief assessment seeks to determine eligibility.
If you are eligible, the Youth CES Coordinator will assign you to a navigator taking into account your personal preferences. Your assigned navigator will receive the referral and make contact with you as soon as possible (preferably within 1 day).
Your Navigator will connect with you to identify your support needs, focusing on housing problem solving. They will administer any necessary additional assessments, and work with you to identify strengths and challenges, resource options, and preferences to build you an individualized plan.
About Youth Navigation
Purpose of the Navigator
Agencies With Youth Navigators:
Your navigator will assist you in obtaining secure and stable housing. They connect with you in whatever way is more accessible to you – whether that is via text, phone call, email , or an in person visit in a safe location of your choosing. They will help you identify resource options and build a housing plan. If necessary, the Youth Navigator will also administer the VI-TAY assessment to determine eligibility for specific housing options. Your navigator will be available to provide support and connection to resources until you have secured safe and stable housing.
- Catholic Charities of West Tennessee (CCWTN)
- Communities in Schools – Memphis (CISM)
- Hospitality Hub (Hub)
- Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS)
- Methodist Le Bonheur Community Outreach (MLCO)
Acronyms
| Acronym | What it stands for | What it means |
| ACES | Adverse Childhood Experiences | |
| CCP | Coordinated Community Plan | |
| CES | Coordinated Entry System | |
| CAFTH | Community Alliance for the Homeless | |
| CQI | Continuous Quality Improvement | |
| CoC | Continuum of Care | |
| DCS | Department of Children’s Services | |
| EFFC | Extended Federally Funded Foster Care | |
| ES | Emergency Shelter | |
| FTE | Full Time Employee | |
| HMIS | Homelessness Management Information System | |
| LGBTQ+ | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ | |
| PSH | Permanent Supportive Housing | |
| PYD | Positive Youth Development | |
| RFP | Request for Proposals | |
| RHY | Runaway and Homeless Youth | |
| TA | Technical Assistance | |
| TANF | Temporary Assistance for Needy Families | |
| TH-RRH | Joint Transitional Housing and Rapid Rehousing | |
| TIC | Trauma-Informed Care | |
| USICH | United States Interagency Council on Homelessness | |
| YAB | Youth Action Board | |
| YHDP | Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program | |
| YYA | Youth and Young Adults |