Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) have introduced the Homeless Children and Youth Act (HCYA), a bipartisan effort aimed at expanding access to critical services for the estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experiencing homelessness each year in the United States.
The legislation seeks to address what supporters view as a longstanding barrier in federal policy: differing definitions of homelessness across government agencies. Specifically, HCYA would align the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definition of homelessness with that used by other federal programs. Advocates say this change would better reflect the often-hidden nature of youth and family homelessness, which can include staying in motels, doubled-up housing arrangements, or temporary shelters.
In a statement, Senator Britt described the bill as a “commonsense” measure. “No child should be prevented from receiving the critical assistance they need due to unnecessary barriers,” she said. “Alongside Senator Alsobrooks, I’m grateful to work to ensure our communities can better address the needs of homeless children and youth.”
In addition to updating HUD’s definition of homelessness, the HCYA would require the department to collect and report annual data on child, youth, and family homelessness. The aim is to improve visibility of these populations and allow communities greater flexibility in how they allocate federal funding to prevent and address homelessness.
The introduction of the bill comes amid rising concerns about homelessness nationwide. According to HUD data, Alabama experienced a 40% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness from 2023 to 2024, with 4,601 individuals reported as homeless in the most recent count.
Senator Britt, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, has made housing-related policy a priority. In a recent hearing ahead of HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s confirmation, Britt cited rising homelessness and housing costs as indicators of deeper systemic issues, including regulatory burdens.
Following her vote to confirm Secretary Turner, Britt reiterated her intention to pursue reforms that aim to streamline HUD programs, reduce regulatory barriers, and increase transparency.
The full text of the Homeless Children and Youth Act is available through the senators’ official websites. The bill is now under consideration in the Senate and has drawn attention from advocacy groups focused on youth services and housing policy.
