Alvernia University is partnering with the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness (BCEH) to tackle youth homelessness in Berks, Lancaster, and York counties. They’ve received a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to strengthen resources for homeless youth.
President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. of Alvernia, emphasized the university’s commitment to serving communities based on Franciscan values. This collaboration is part of a broader effort, including initiatives like SOLAR and Reading CollegeTowne, to bridge gaps in access to education and services for those facing housing issues.
BCEH is leading the grant project, with Alvernia as a key partner. Alvernia will use its expertise in research and community engagement to ensure that young voices are heard in improving local services. According to Elise McCauley, BCEH’s assistant director, this grant is crucial due to the limited resources currently available to help youth experiencing homelessness. It aims to gather essential data to understand the full extent of the problem and develop effective interventions.
The Youth Homelessness Systems Improvement (YHSI) grant, which begins in November 2024 and runs until April 2027, aligns with HUD’s national efforts to enhance responses to youth homelessness. Darryl Mace, Alvernia’s Vice President of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion, highlighted that homelessness creates significant barriers for young people, including students at the university. Supporting this vulnerable population reflects the institution’s values of care and inclusivity.
Alvernia University will take several steps to support the YHSI initiative, including hiring dedicated staff and offering training to enhance community engagement. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of interagency collaboration and involving youth with lived experiences through a Youth Action Board (YAB) to shape policies.
Recent data shows that youth homelessness is a growing challenge. A report from HUD indicates that about 40% of homeless youth are unsheltered, meaning they lack stable housing. This emphasizes the urgent need for programs like those supported by the YHSI grant.
Alvernia University, founded in 1958, offers a unique blend of liberal arts education and practical training. The university, located in Reading, serves over 3,000 students and is committed to community service and experiential learning.
Meanwhile, BCEH plays a crucial role in coordinating strategies to combat homelessness in Pennsylvania. They work to make sure that support systems are in place to assist those at risk or currently experiencing homelessness, with the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.
This collaborative approach not only reflects Alvernia’s dedication to community support but also addresses a pressing social issue with a comprehensive plan for improvement. For more information on these initiatives, you can visit HUD’s resources on housing.
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