Office of Homeless Youth Services
Established by House Bill 02-1159, also known as the Homeless Youth Services Act, the Office of Homeless Youth Services (OHYS) was created to coordinate Colorado's efforts in addressing youth homelessness. Its mission is to lead statewide initiatives, share best practices, and provide technical assistance to organizations serving homeless youth.
OHYS continues to address youth and family homelessness across Colorado by administering targeted programs and services designed to increase housing stability, promote academic success, and support youth-focused service providers.
OHYS programs were previously funded every two years through the Homeless Solutions Program (HSP), but transitioned in April 2025 to Proposition 123 funding, which operates on a yearly basis. The total annual funding for OHYS programs is $2,815,367, supporting a range of housing and homelessness prevention efforts for youth and families statewide.
Youth Housing Support Programs
The Youth Housing Support Program focuses on serving youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness. With an annual budget of $758,389, this program provides funding to seven grantees across Colorado.
Grantees deliver financial assistance and supportive services through three targeted housing models:
- Rapid Rehousing: Provides short-term rental assistance and services to quickly transition youth out of homelessness and into stable housing.
- Tenancy Support Services: Offers ongoing supportive services for young people in permanent supportive housing to help maintain housing stability and build independence.
- Host Homes: Assist with temporary housing in the homes of screened and trained community members. Host families receive stipends for supporting youth experiencing homelessness.
Next Step 2-Generation (Next Step 2-Gen) Program
The Next Step 2-Gen (NS2G) program is a collaborative initiative between OHYS and the Colorado Department of Education. NS2G incorporates a Two-Generation (2-Gen) framework supporting both students and their caregivers, paired with Rapid Rehousing approaches to improve both housing and academic outcomes. With a budget of $2,056,978, NS2G supports 10 grantees across the state through Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention services.
This program is designed to ensure that youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability are not derailed academically. By providing both housing stability and wraparound support, NS2G helps students and their families maintain educational progress and stability. Referrals are coordinated through the school district's McKinney-Vento liaisons. Services include move-in assistance, temporary rent support, and case management.
OHYS Grantees Map
Statewide Resources and Resource Guides
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Runaway Safeline
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
McKinney-Vento District Liaisons
The Homeless Education program is authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC 11431 et seq.). The McKinney-Vento Act was enacted to address the numerous barriers homeless children face in obtaining a free, appropriate public education.
Rise Above Colorado
Rise Above Colorado is a drug abuse prevention organization that measurably impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance abuse to help youth make empowered, healthy choices.
Resource Guides
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