The Fiscal Year 2025 Street Outreach Program (SOP), managed by the Administration for Children and Families (ACYF/FYSB) within the Department of Health and Human Services, is a forecasted grant opportunity designed to provide support services to youth facing homelessness and the risks associated with street living, including sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking. The program focuses on delivering street-based interventions to aid runaway and homeless youth in meeting basic needs and accessing services. Outreach workers connect with youth in locations where they congregate, offering resources such as food, hygiene supplies, and referrals to shelter and health services to promote safer choices and improved wellbeing.

The primary objective of the SOP grant is to support agencies and coordinated networks in reducing risks associated with street youth living conditions by offering direct aid and facilitating access to safer, supportive environments. This program aims to mitigate exposure to exploitation by providing essential resources and education on options available to support youth. Outreach workers are expected to engage directly with youth in areas they frequent, creating trust-based relationships that facilitate service referrals and encourage the use of safe housing options.

The estimated total funding available for FY 2025 is approximately $7,958,000, with individual award amounts ranging from $90,000 to $150,000. Fifty-three awards are anticipated, although this number may change based on final funding determinations. Successful applicants will demonstrate a well-organized plan to provide consistent outreach services and coordinate access to shelter and other supports, adhering to the program's goals of reducing youth vulnerability to harm. Matching funds are required for recipients of this award, though specific ratios are not outlined in the forecast.

Eligibility for this funding includes a variety of public and nonprofit entities, including city, county, and state governments, tribal organizations, and independent school districts. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, as well as those without it, are eligible to apply, provided they are not for-profit institutions. Faith-based and community organizations meeting the criteria may also apply, with protections against discrimination based on religious character under federal guidelines. Private institutions of higher education may apply if they operate as nonprofit entities. Applicants must have prior experience serving homeless, runaway, or street youth to be prioritized in the award selection process.

The application is forecasted to open on February 28, 2025, with a submission deadline of May 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. Award decisions are expected by August 29, 2025, with funded projects set to begin by September 30, 2025. Applicants are advised to monitor Grants.gov for the official release and updated submission requirements as the deadline approaches.

Evaluation criteria will likely focus on an applicant’s ability to conduct effective street outreach, their experience working with youth populations in high-risk environments, and their capacity to connect these youth to necessary services and shelters. Strong applications will propose concrete, actionable outreach strategies and demonstrate coordination with community resources and shelters to address the diverse needs of runaway and street youth.

For questions or more information, applicants can contact Amanda Persad at the Administration for Children & Families, who can provide guidance on eligibility and other program details.