Rep. Panetta Leads Coalition of Lawmakers Urging Extension of Homeless Youth Grant Deadline

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) led 57 of their colleagues in a letter to the Administration for Children and Families, calling for an extension of the application period for critical grant programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). The letter expresses concern about the shortened timeframe for providers to apply for Transitional Living Programs, Maternity Group Homes, and Basic Center Programs.

This year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) gave providers only 14 days to apply, a significant reduction from the traditional 60-day window.  The Administration for Children and Families also introduced new and complex requirements, including formal agreements with local law enforcement and substantial program redesigns, which require time-consuming coordination.  Although a brief extension was granted, lawmakers argue it remains insufficient to meet federal guidelines and ensure providers can adequately prepare and submit competitive proposals.

RHYA-funded programs are a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable youth in our communities. These programs provide safe shelter, trauma-informed care, case management, and connections to education, employment, and family reunification.  They also play a critical role in preventing human trafficking and reaching young people who are disconnected from traditional systems of care. Without these services, many youth face increased risks of exploitation, chronic homelessness, and long-term instability.

“Our communities risk losing access to life-changing support for youth experiencing homelessness unless providers have the time needed to meet these new requirements,” wrote the Members. “RHYA programs are not only essential for providing shelter, but also for preventing trafficking, reuniting families, and helping young people find a path to stability and self-sufficiency.”

The letter also raises concern about the exclusion of the Street Outreach Program (SOP) from its own dedicated funding notice.  This decision could force existing grantees to either cut core services or delay outreach until grant renewal in 2027, impacting the most vulnerable youth who rely on early intervention and outreach services.

Read the full letter HERE and below.

Dear Mr. Gradison, 

We write to express our concern about the structure of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) program grants, including the Transitional Living Programs, Maternity Group Homes, and Basic Center Programs, and to urge you to extend the application period. 

These programs are a vital lifeline for homeless youth across our communities. An estimated one in 30 adolescents aged 13–17 and 1 in 10 young adults aged 18 to 25 experiences homelessness each year. RHYA programs play an essential role in preventing trafficking, identifying survivors, and supporting runaway, homeless, and disconnected youth. 

Despite their importance, this year’s NOFO allowed only 14 days for applicants to submit proposals, a significant reduction from the 60-day application window in prior years. This year’s NOFO also introduces substantial new requirements, such as program redesigns and formal memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement, steps that require considerable time and coordination. 

The shortened timeline was announced without advance notice, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for providers to gather, report, and submit the necessary materials before the deadline. While a short extension has been granted, we are concerned that it is insufficient and that the timeline remains inconsistent with 2 CFR § 200.204(b), which states that “no funding opportunity should be available for less than 30 calendar days unless the Federal agency determines that exigent circumstances justify this.” 

Without additional time to prepare, our communities risk losing access to critical services for homeless youth. Local street outreach programs, emergency shelters, transitional living facilities, and maternity group homes offer life-changing support and connect youth and young parents with education, employment, financial planning, and family reunification resources. 

We are additionally concerned that the Street Outreach Program (SOP) did not receive a standalone notice of funding opportunity, which requires other programs to subsume essential outreach activities thereby leading to a de facto reduction in funding for many critical services. For example, an existing Transitional Living and Maternity Group Home grantee would either have to reduce Transitional Living and Maternity Group Home funds to provide outreach services or choose not to provide outreach services until their grant renewal occurs in 2027. 

We strongly urge you to extend the application period to ensure that providers have adequate time to meet the new requirements and submit complete proposals. Our communities, and the vulnerable youth these programs serve, depend on it. 

Sincerely,

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