The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Services convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding youth homelessness in Oregon. The meeting highlighted the multifaceted causes of youth homelessness and the state's response to this pressing issue.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the funding landscape for youth services. Grantees currently receive approximately 41% of their funding from various sources, including city and county funds, private donations, and philanthropy. However, concerns were raised about the volatility of these funding sources as local jurisdictions face financial shortfalls and increased demand for philanthropic support.

The meeting referenced the Chapin Hall's "Voices of Youth Count" study, which identifies three primary categories contributing to youth homelessness: relational, structural, and individual factors. Relational factors include family dynamics such as parental incarceration, mental health issues, and rejection based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Notably, LGBTQ youth experience homelessness at twice the rate of their non-LGBTQ peers, with 30% of surveyed youth citing chronic family conflict as a reason for leaving home.

Structural factors also play a significant role, including poverty, systemic racism, and a lack of affordable housing. The study revealed that 29% of youth surveyed had spent time in foster care, highlighting the vulnerability of this population to homelessness. Additionally, many youth reported experiencing housing instability from a young age, with about one-fourth indicating they first encountered homelessness while living with their families.

Individual factors contributing to homelessness include mental health conditions, trauma coping mechanisms, and chronic health issues.

In response to these challenges, the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) has seen substantial growth in funding and services. Initially operating on a biennial budget of around $3 million, YEP's budget has expanded significantly due to various investments, including a $1 million emergency board investment during the pandemic and an $18.75 million investment in the 2023-2025 biennium to sustain and expand core services. These funds have allowed YEP to increase its reach, now supporting 42 providers and offering a range of services, including host homes, tuition waivers, and direct cash transfers.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the urgent need for continued investment and innovative solutions to address the complex issue of youth homelessness in Oregon. As the state navigates funding challenges, the focus remains on enhancing support systems for vulnerable youth populations.