The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has invited Oregon partners to attend the upcoming 2025 Youth Innovation Summit for free. This event is set to take place in Portland from January 14-15. It aims to unite service providers, youth advocates, and leaders nationwide to share methods and strategies for combating youth homelessness. Among the topics on the agenda is exploring innovative solutions, such as Direct Cash Transfers and Youth Advocacy, as highlighted in a statement obtained by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
Leading this summit is Point Source Youth (PSY), a prominent organization in the fight against youth homelessness. PSY's co-founder and executive director, Larry Cohen, remains optimistic about the summit's location this year. "We are excited to bring our Innovation Summit to Portland. This is a chance for funders, young people, and service providers to come together to find new ways to prevent and end youth homelessness," Cohen told the Oregon Department of Human Services. The summit will also directly showcase how impactful strategies like financial support can positively affect a young person's life.
Notably, the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Claire Seguin expressed excitement over Oregon's involvement in these efforts. "This summit is a great opportunity to learn more about what’s working across the country and to strengthen Oregon’s commitment to ensuring every young person has a safe and supportive place to call home," Seguin communicated in a statement detailed by the Oregon Department of Human Services. The ODHS Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (YEHP) has been integral in these national conversations, advocating for policies and strategies that directly benefit the targeted demographic.
