Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team

In 2018, Washington State passed a law (SB6560) stating that no young person discharges from a publicly funded system of care into homelessness. In 2022, HB1905 expanded on that commitment by creating the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team (YYAHRT) to connect youth and young adults with housing and support programs as they transition out of systems such as foster care, behavioral health treatment, and juvenile justice.

YYAHRT is spearheaded by DCYF, the Office of Homeless Youth (OHY), HCA, and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). These agencies work together to identify service gaps, track outcomes for youth and young adults for up to 12 months, and coordinate resources based on each young person’s individual needs, strengths, and goals.

Some supports may include behavioral health services, connection to legal aid, peer and family support, employment and education assistance, and housing and financial support navigation. All services are youth-centered and built around the young person’s voice, goals, and long-term stability. Additionally, YYAHRT also offers weekly office hours every Wednesday from 1 to 2pm to meet with young people and their supports for consultations.