Two agencies awarded $421,860 to serve homeless youth

Two agencies in Clark County were awarded $421,860 to better serve homeless youth.

Janus Youth Programs received $300,000, which will be spent on expanding current services and hiring support staff for Caples Terrace, an apartment complex for homeless youth and youth aging out of foster care. Council for the Homeless received $121,860 to provide youth-specific outreach and connect youth to housing opportunities.

“We applied because we know there is more that can be done to quickly connect youth experiencing homelessness, especially those who identify as LGBTQ, with the housing stability programs in the community,” Kate Budd, executive director of Council for the Homeless, said in an email.

The awards were part of $11 million dispersed in 30 counties statewide by the state Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth.

“As our future leaders, teachers, and innovators, young people are our most precious asset,” Lisa Brown, Department of Commerce director, said in a news release Monday.

“This funding will strengthen communities throughout the state — from Asotin to Walla Walla, Grays Harbor to Okanogan and beyond — by providing an assurance of stable housing to help every young person in Washington seek their full potential.”

Brown’s department received 100 applications requesting a total of $42 million. Those reviewing the grant applications included young people who have experienced homelessness.