youth Advisory Board (YAB)
The Youth Advisory Board is a coalition of youth committed to elevating youth voice, centering lived experience, expanding youth resources, and fighting to end youth homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County.
Vision
We seek to create and connect community resources to build a sustainable network that empowers and uplifts youth experiencing homelessness. We envision a future where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affirming housing.
Core Values
- We believe that housing is a human right and that everyone deserves a stable and affirming home.
- We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to be their fullest self.
- We believe that youth leadership is essential.
- We believe that inclusion is a necessity, not a courtesy.
- We believe that those closest to the pain should be the closest to the power.
Accomplishments
- Presented at the 2025 Point Source Youth Symposium in collaboration with the Puerto Rico YAB, highlighting the Leadership Cohort model launched in 2024 under the Youth Homelessness System Improvement (YHSI) grant
- Collaborated with the Statewide YAB leading up to a 2026 Statewide Conference
- Organized and executed the 2025 Youth PIT Count
- Advocated against anti-homelessness legislation in Nashville with Housing Rights Day on the Hill
- Contributed to Memphis/Shelby County’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) application, which brought in $3.8 million in funding for youth homelessness services to the community
- Participated in the planning process for the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and collaborated with community partners to develop the Memphis/Shelby County Coordinated Community Plan to End Youth Homelessness.
- Developed educational materials on youth homelessness.
Membership & Recruitment
The Memphis Youth Advisory Board is open to youth ages 17-25 with lived experience of homelessness or who are passionate about joining the fight to end youth homelessness in Memphis and Shelby County. Though all youth are welcome, applicants with lived experience or other intersectional identities will be prioritized. If you identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, gender-nonconforming, or any other identities of intersectionality, please apply!
As a YAB Member you will:
- Have a voice and be an active part of discussions about youth homelessness in Memphis, sharing your experience and working collaboratively with others to find solutions
- Regularly attend meetings with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experiences who are coming together with one goal in mind – ending youth homelessness!
- Be invited to working groups to express your opinions with key community stakeholders and represent your community
- Become a part of the solution, join a subcommittee about specific projects that you are most interested in
- Be compensated for the time you spend advocating for what you are passionate about
Recruitment
The Memphis Youth Advisory Board is currently accepting applications. Applications are due July 1st, 2026. If you have any questions about joining the YAB, please email kiera@cafth.org.
To be considered for membership, applicants must be:
- 18 – 24 years old
- Passionate about youth homelessness and/or have experience with homelessness or housing insecurity
- Live in Memphis/Shelby County
- Able to commit to a year-long term (July 2026 – June 2027)