Federal grant aims to combat youth homelessness in Nebraska [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – When it comes to tackling youth homelessness in Nebraska, experts say it will take collaboration across the state. Part of that includes turning to teens and young adults who have actually experienced homelessness to help guide decision making. It’s the goal of a new project that kicked off on Tuesday.

The Nebraska Youth Homelessness System Improvement Project is in full swing thanks to a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Youth homelessness is defined as those who are 13-24 years old, and are unhoused without their parents. Now, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is working to create a network across Nebraska, to support those without a home, and those most at risk.

“They’re either too afraid to reach out and they don’t know how to or they don’t even know about it,” Tony Matthews, a Youth Action Board member, said.

Matthews …