Youth homelessness is a growing concern in Nevada, with numbers on the rise according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Nariya Gregory, a 20-year-old advocate who has experienced homelessness herself, believes that mental health issues play a significant role in this problem. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the mental state of homeless youth and the fear of judgment that prevents them from seeking help.
Gregory’s journey from homelessness to becoming a consultant and advocate is inspiring, and she now works with organizations like Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) to address the root causes of youth homelessness. At the recent Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit, she spoke about the importance of self-love and raising awareness about the challenges faced by homeless young people.
The summit, organized by NPHY in partnership with Las Vegas Sands and UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, aims to not only raise awareness but also to take concrete actions to address youth homelessness. NPHY CEO Arash Ghafoori emphasizes the need for a dual approach: providing high-quality services on the ground while also advocating for systemic changes to support homeless youth.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the mental health issues faced by homeless youth and the lack of resources available to support them. However, there is a growing commitment from the local community and the federal government to address youth homelessness. Recent federal grants totaling over $9 million have been awarded to Southern Nevada organizations to support homeless youth and develop programs to end youth homelessness in the state.
NPHY has received a significant federal grant to lead a project focusing on the leadership development of young people experiencing homelessness and creating a statewide plan to end youth homelessness. This investment will help create infrastructure and programs to provide quality care to homeless youth, going beyond basic needs like food and shelter.
By recognizing the need for a comprehensive system-wide approach to youth homelessness, these grants are a step in the right direction. The federal government’s support for programs that prioritize system coordination and redesign shows a commitment to addressing the root causes of youth homelessness. With dedicated advocates like Nariya Gregory leading the way, there is hope for a future where no young person has to experience homelessness.
