Ending Youth Homelessness in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, one of the most significant barriers to effectively addressing youth homelessness isn't just a lack of resources – it's a lack of authentic voices and representation in the systems designed to help them.

Young people experiencing homelessness possess invaluable expertise about their own lives and needs, yet historically, they've been sidelined in policy discussions and program development. The Youth Success Project (YSP) is changing this narrative by placing youth with lived experience at the center of solutions.

Born from Necessity

Founded in 2020, the Youth Success Project emerged when adult homeless service providers across New Hampshire recognized a critical gap: youth and young adult voices were missing from crucial conversations about ending youth homelessness. This youth-led organization now focuses on supporting those with lived experience of homelessness to actively participate in developing solutions.

Their work spans multiple initiatives, including:

• Writing coordinated community plans to end youth homelessness in Manchester and rural areas
• Collecting and analyzing data on youth homelessness
• Building relationships with providers and youth in underserved rural regions
• Creating an Opportunity Youth dashboard with the Manchester Health Department
• Expanding campus supports for college students experiencing homelessness

Confronting "Adultism" and Systemic Barriers

The Youth Success Project faces significant challenges with "adultism" – systems of power that marginalize young people's voices, particularly in matters directly affecting their lives. This manifests when young people aren't taken seriously by landlords, employers, or service providers, directly hindering their ability to secure housing, employment, and education. As a small, advocacy-focused organization with just three staff members covering multiple roles, YSP also struggles to access traditional funding streams that larger organizations might more easily secure.

Why This Partnership Matters

Granite United Way is committed to meeting organizations "where they're at." Our new responsive grant funding model offers unrestricted funds that allow YSP to adapt quickly to emerging community needs. Beyond funding, Granite United Way has played a crucial role in helping YSP expand into rural New Hampshire by providing access to our extensive network and connections. This partnership has accelerated YSP's ability to reach service providers who encounter homeless youth and connect directly with young people experiencing homelessness in underserved areas.

How You Can Help

As we continue addressing youth homelessness in New Hampshire, we must remember that effective solutions must include the voices of those with lived experience – not as token participants, but as true partners and leaders in creating lasting change.

When you donate to Granite United Way, local volunteers direct resources where they're most needed, making a meaningful difference in building a stronger, more unified New Hampshire for all.