rich 1.0 Action Network https://actionnetwork.org <link href='https://actionnetwork.org/css/style-embed-v3.css' rel='stylesheet' type='text/css' /><script src='https://actionnetwork.org/widgets/v6/letter/michigans-homeless-youth-and-runaway-hyr-fy27?format=js&source=widget'></script><div id='can-letter-area-michigans-homeless-youth-and-runaway-hyr-fy27' style='width: 100%'><!-- this div is the target for our HTML insertion --></div> Michigan's Children https://actionnetwork.org/groups/michigans-children https://actionnetwork.org//images/generic_facebook.jpg Hello _____ [Elected Official], Michigan’s Homeless Youth and Runaway (HYR) agencies provide crisis intervention, shelter and supportive services to youth ages 12-21 who have runaway, are at risk of running away, are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Last year, these agencies provided 53,198 nights of shelter and care (a 21% increase from 2023). After more than a decade of flat funding, the annual allocation that supports this critical work was increased to $13,126,100 in FY23. The subsequent statewide coverage and program expansion achieved from this increase, however, is now in jeopardy! As of October 2025, every county in Michigan now has a designated HYR provider. Eighteen previously uncovered counties now have coverage and program offerings have been expanded in an additional 21 counties. As your constituent and an advocate for youth experiencing homelessness, I see firsthand how these programs impact youth and families in our community. [Insert local examples or describe the need in your area.] For FY27, a reduction in funding would threaten statewide coverage and be detrimental to the vulnerable youth and their families served through HYR programs. A cut of any level would likely mean reductions in staffing, less coverage in new areas and/ or decreased coverage areas that possibly leave some rural areas without HYR services. The HYR line item (DHHS budget, community services & outreach) must be preserved for FY27. Full funding of $13,126,100 is needed to maintain statewide coverage, recruit-train-and-retain the staff that youth and families turn to in hard times and conduct outreach in new services areas. As you negotiate this year’s budget, I urge you to make the needs of runaway and homeless youth and the availability of high-quality HYR services in every corner of Michigan a priority. Thank you for your time and attention and, most importantly, your service to our state. Sincerely, Name https://actionnetwork.org/letters/michigans-homeless-youth-and-runaway-hyr-fy27