Incorporate Gay and Transgender Youth into the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act

Incorporating gay and transgender youth into the act when it comes up for reauthorization will make sure that RHYA funds are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

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Idea of the Day

Idea of the Day

The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (which in 2008 was reauthorized by the Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act), or RHYA, will be considered for reauthorization in Congress in 2013. This act is a major piece of legislation that helps combat youth homelessness by funding various support services and educational programs for homeless youth across the country.

The act makes no mention, however, of gay and transgender youth, even though these groups make up a disproportionately large number of homeless youth in America. Incorporating gay and transgender youth into the act when it comes up for reauthorization will make sure that RHYA funds are used as efficiently and effectively as possible.

For more on this topic, please see:

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act Should Include Gay and Transgender Youth by Melissa Dunn and Jeff Krehely

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