Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

                  NPHY started in 2000 when a group of concerned community members formed a coalition to address the growing problem of unaccompanied youth in the Las Vegas Valley. Due to the group's advocacy and determination, the Nevada Legislature passed the landmark "Right to Shelter Law" in 2001, making it possible for abused and neglected homeless youth to receive life-sustaining services without parental consent. In the decade since, NPHY has grown from a small citizen coalition to the most comprehensive service provider for homeless youth in Nevada, offering a full continuum of care extending from street outreach, family reunification, and 24-hour mobile crisis intervention services to a full-time drop-in center, emergency shelter, and independent living program.

Youth homelessness is rapidly becoming a serious public health, safety, and economic concern locally and nationwide. An estimated 1.5 million children were homeless in the U.S. between 2005 and 2006: that’s 1 in every 50 American kids. Here in Clark County, an estimated 800 unaccompanied children and youth can be found living on the streets on an average night; this sobering number does not account for the thousands of other “hidden” homeless youth who couch-surf, stay in daily or weekly motels, or are otherwise stuck in unstable living situations. According to the Clark County School District, almost 6,000 homeless youth were enrolled in local schools last year. These youth often become homeless due to chronic family problems, such as physical and/or sexual abuse and neglect, and once homeless, are at higher risk of depression, suicide, chronic physical health conditions, substance abuse, and engaging in risky and delinquent behaviors.

NPHY combats youth homelessness head-on with wraparound services that emphasize prevention, intervention, and long-term self-sufficiency. NPHY’s programs collectively provide a 24-7-365 safety net of emergency and immediate needs services to youth in crisis, all while working with each youth individually to provide them with the tools, resources, and wraparound support they need to get off the streets for good. Since opening our doors in 2001, NPHY has helped thousands of youth get on the path to self-sufficiency and success.

By intervening before today’s homeless youth become tomorrow’s homeless adults, NPHY fosters a safer Nevada and saves society-at-large millions of dollars in potential incarceration, welfare, and other costs: on average, every dollar NPHY spends on services for homeless youth produces a public return of $7.40.

#nvbiggive