Ames Youth Action Board for Homelessness

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This is not a library sponsored event.

Purpose of Meeting

The Statewide Youth Action Board (YAB) brings together members from local YABs across the Iowa Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC). While each YAB represents its own community, this group exists to elevate the collective voice of youth and young adults with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability.

Our goal is to influence systems, policies, and programs at the state and national level through collaboration, leadership, and advocacy.

What We Do:
Advocate for youth-centered housing policy and services statewide

Lead system change through partnership with agencies, coalitions, and decision-makers

Represent youth perspectives at state, regional, and national levels

Support local YABs with resources, mentorship, and leadership development

Who We Are
Members are young leaders (ages 14–24) from across Iowa who:

Have lived experience of homelessness or housing instability

Believe in youth power to transform systems

Join the Movement
The YAB is always evolving—and we need your voice. If you want to get connected, we’re here to support you.

📞 Contact:
Jason Smith
Youth Leadership Project Manager
Iowa Balance of State CoC
📱 319-750-2535
jason.smith@icalliances.org