1. What Is YAAB and Why Does It Exist?

Before you fill out any form or show up to any meeting, it helps to understand what you’re actually joining — and why it matters. YAAB is not a support group, a shelter, or a government agency. It is a youth-led advocacy organization embedded inside Tennessee’s official homeless services system. That distinction changes everything about what membership looks and feels like.

A Network Built by and for Young People

The Youth Action Board of Tennessee — known as YAAB — is a statewide network of young adults ages 17 to 25 who have lived experience of homelessness or housing instability. That phrase lived experience is key: YAAB was created because the people most affected by a problem are often the best equipped to solve it. Instead of having adults make all the decisions about youth housing programs, YAAB puts young people directly in the room where those decisions happen.

• YAAB members advise local Continuum of Care (CoC) boards and state leaders.
• They review and recommend changes to housing policies and service programs.
• They connect their peers to resources for shelter, employment, education, and mental health support.

The Continuum of Care System Explained Simply

Tennessee is divided into nine Continuum of Care (CoC) regions, each responsible for coordinating homeless services in its area. Memphis and Shelby County fall under CoC TN-502, which is managed by the Memphis Shelby County CoC. Think of the CoC as the backbone of local homeless services — it decides how federal HUD funding gets distributed to shelters, transitional housing programs, and outreach teams. YAAB’s Memphis chapter plugs directly into this system, meaning your voice as a member can influence real funding decisions that affect thousands of young people in the region.

2. Who Can Join the Memphis YAAB Chapter (TN-502)?

YAAB membership is intentionally designed to be inclusive and accessible. The eligibility criteria exist not to exclude people but to ensure that the voices shaping youth housing policy actually belong to young people who understand what housing instability feels like from the inside. Here is exactly who qualifies for the Memphis chapter.

The Core Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for the Memphis YAAB chapter is straightforward. To join, you must:

• Be between the ages of 17 and 25 at the time you apply.
• Have lived experience of homelessness, housing instability, or housing insecurity — this includes couch-surfing, staying in a shelter, living in a car, doubling up with family due to economic hardship, or aging out of foster care without stable housing.
• Be connected to or reachable within the Memphis/Shelby County area (CoC TN-502 region).

You do not need to currently be experiencing homelessness to qualify. Many YAAB members are in stable housing now but want to use their past experience to help others and change the system.

Foster Care Alumni and Aging-Out Youth

Young people who are aging out of Tennessee’s foster care system are strongly encouraged to apply. Research from the National Alliance to End Homelessness shows that youth who age out of foster care are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience homelessness within two to four years of leaving care. YAAB recognizes this overlap and actively welcomes foster care alumni. If you turned 18 while in Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services (DCS) system, or if you left care between ages 18 and 21, your experience is exactly the kind of insight YAAB needs at the policy table.

What If I'm Not Sure I Qualify?

Housing instability exists on a spectrum. You don’t have to have slept outside or stayed in a shelter to have lived experience. If you’ve ever:

• Stayed somewhere temporarily because you had nowhere else to go
• Moved frequently due to evictions or family crises
• Lived in unsafe or overcrowded conditions
• Gone without utilities, food, or basic necessities due to housing costs

…then your experience counts. When in doubt, reach out to the YAAB team directly and let them help you figure out if it’s the right fit. There is no penalty for asking.

3. What YAAB Members Actually Do in Memphis

Joining YAAB is not just about attending meetings. It is about taking on a real role in shaping the systems that affect young people across Memphis and Shelby County. Here is a concrete look at what that involvement looks like week to week and month to month.

Advising the CoC and Local Decision-Makers

One of the most powerful things YAAB members do is show up to Continuum of Care meetings and workgroups as official youth advisors. In Memphis, that means the Memphis Shelby County CoC. Members review proposed changes to local housing programs, give feedback on how services are (or aren’t) working for young people, and vote on recommendations that go up the chain to HUD-funded programs. This is not symbolic participation — your feedback can directly affect which programs get funded and how they operate.

Peer Outreach and Resource Connection

YAAB members also do peer-to-peer outreach in their communities. Because young people often trust other young people more than they trust institutions, YAAB members are uniquely positioned to connect their peers to resources they might not know exist — things like:

• Rapid rehousing programs for youth in Memphis
• Transitional living programs through local nonprofits
• Employment and job training resources
• GED and educational pathways
• Mental health and substance use support services

Members are trained to share this information in a way that is non-judgmental, peer-centered, and empowering — not clinical or condescending.

Leadership Development and Skill Building

Beyond advocacy, YAAB invests in your personal development. Members receive training in public speaking, policy analysis, facilitation, and community organizing. Many members report that their time with YAAB helped them build a résumé, gain confidence in professional settings, and develop a network of mentors and peers. Some members have gone on to work in housing nonprofits, social services, and government — careers they say YAAB helped make possible.

4. The Benefits of Joining YAAB as a Memphis Young Adult

Joining YAAB is an investment in yourself as much as it is in your community. The benefits are both immediate and long-term — from practical financial support to career-building credentials to a peer network that can last a lifetime. Here is what you can realistically expect to gain.

Stipends, Incentives, and Practical Support

YAAB recognizes that your time has value. Many YAAB chapters across Tennessee, including the Memphis TN-502 chapter, offer stipends or incentives for active participation in meetings, trainings, and advocacy events. While specific amounts can vary by funding cycle and activity type, the principle is consistent: YAAB does not ask young people to donate their time for free the way many volunteer organizations do. Check with the Memphis chapter directly for current stipend details and participation requirements.

A Peer Community That Gets It

One of the most consistent things YAAB members say about their experience is that it gave them a community of peers who actually understand what they’ve been through. Housing instability can be isolating. Shame, stigma, and the chaos of survival mode can make it hard to build lasting relationships. YAAB creates a structured, supportive space where your experience is not something to hide — it is the reason you belong there. Members describe the relationships they build in YAAB as some of the most meaningful of their lives.

Résumé-Building and Career Pathways

From a practical standpoint, YAAB membership looks excellent on a résumé, college application, or job application. You can honestly say you:

• Served as a youth advisor to a federally recognized Continuum of Care
• Participated in policy advocacy at the local and state level
• Completed leadership and facilitation training
• Engaged in community outreach and peer support work

These are real, verifiable accomplishments — not filler. Employers and academic programs in social work, public health, nonprofit management, and government increasingly value lived-experience expertise alongside formal credentials.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Join the Memphis YAAB Chapter

Ready to make your move? Here is exactly what joining the Memphis YAAB chapter looks like, broken down into four clear steps. The process is designed to be welcoming and low-barrier — no paperwork maze, no gatekeeping, no judgment.

Step 1 — Learn About the TN-502 Chapter

Start by getting familiar with the Memphis chapter specifically. The TN-502 YAAB chapter serves the Memphis and Shelby County Continuum of Care region. Visit the TN-502 Memphis YAAB chapter page to find current contact information, meeting schedules, and chapter-specific details. This page is your home base for everything related to the Memphis chapter and is updated as information changes.

Step 2 — Reach Out and Express Interest

Once you’ve reviewed the chapter page, the next step is simply to make contact. You can reach out through the YAAB website’s contact form or through the chapter coordinator listed on the TN-502 page. When you reach out, you don’t need a polished pitch or a formal letter. A simple message saying you’re interested, your age, and a brief note about your background is enough to get the conversation started. YAAB staff are used to connecting with young people in all kinds of situations and will meet you where you are.

Step 3 — Attend an Orientation or Introductory Meeting

Most YAAB chapters hold orientation sessions or introductory meetings for prospective members. These are low-pressure, informal gatherings where you can learn more about what membership involves, ask questions, and meet current members. You are not committing to anything by attending — it is simply a chance to see if YAAB feels like the right fit for you. Check the YAAB events calendar for upcoming Memphis-area meetings and events.

Step 4 — Complete the Membership Process

After your introductory meeting, the chapter coordinator will walk you through any remaining steps in the formal membership process. This typically includes:

• Confirming your eligibility (age and lived experience)
• Reviewing any participation agreements or expectations
• Getting connected to the chapter’s communication channels (group chats, email lists, etc.)
• Being introduced to the broader YAAB statewide network

The entire process is designed to be accessible and low-barrier. There are no fees, no formal interviews, and no academic requirements.

6. What to Expect at Your First YAAB Meeting in Memphis

Walking into any new space for the first time can feel intimidating. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can make a big difference. Here is a realistic picture of what your first Memphis YAAB meeting will likely look and feel like.

The Structure of a Typical Meeting

YAAB meetings are youth-led and peer-facilitated, which means the agenda is driven by members, not by adult staff. A typical Memphis chapter meeting might include:

• A check-in round where everyone shares how they’re doing
• Updates on current advocacy campaigns or CoC developments
• Discussion of a specific policy issue or resource gap affecting youth
• Planning for upcoming outreach events or community actions
• A closing round with shoutouts and next steps

Meetings are generally held monthly, though the exact schedule varies. Some chapters also hold smaller workgroup sessions between full meetings.

The Culture and Vibe

New members often say their first YAAB meeting felt different from any other meeting they’d attended. There is no hierarchy of credentials — a member who has been unhoused is valued just as much as one who has a GED or a job. Facilitators are trained to make space for everyone to speak, to handle conflict respectfully, and to keep the energy focused and productive. You are encouraged to share your perspective, but you are never pressured to disclose more about your personal history than you’re comfortable sharing.

Practical Logistics to Know

A few practical things to keep in mind for your first meeting:

• Transportation: If getting to a meeting location is a barrier, let the chapter coordinator know — some chapters can help with bus passes or ride coordination.
• Food: Many YAAB meetings provide snacks or a meal for members.
• Virtual options: Some meetings are held virtually or in a hybrid format, which can make participation easier if you don’t have reliable transportation.
• What to bring: Just yourself. A notebook is helpful but not required.

7. How Memphis YAAB Connects to the Statewide Network

Joining the Memphis chapter is not just about what happens in Shelby County. It is about becoming part of a statewide movement that is changing how Tennessee thinks about and responds to youth homelessness. Here is how the local and statewide pieces fit together.

Nine Chapters, One Statewide Voice

The Memphis TN-502 chapter is one of nine YAAB chapters across Tennessee, each aligned with a different Continuum of Care region. Other chapters serve Nashville/Davidson (TN-500), Knoxville/Knox County (TN-501), Chattanooga/Hamilton County (TN-503), Jackson/West Tennessee (TN-504), and additional regions across the state. When you join the Memphis chapter, you are also connecting to this statewide network — which means your voice can influence policy at both the local and state level. View all YAAB chapters across Tennessee to see the full picture of the network you’re joining.

Statewide Convenings and Cross-Chapter Collaboration

YAAB holds statewide convenings — gatherings that bring members from all nine chapters together to share experiences, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and build relationships across regions. These events are often held in Nashville or rotated across the state. For Memphis members, attending a statewide convening is an opportunity to meet peers from Knoxville, Chattanooga, and rural Tennessee — young people who may have very different experiences of housing instability but share the same commitment to change. Travel and accommodation support is typically provided for members attending statewide events.

Influencing State-Level Policy

Through the statewide network, YAAB members have the opportunity to engage with Tennessee state government — including the Tennessee Interagency Council on Homelessness (TICH) and the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS). Members have testified at legislative hearings, participated in state planning processes, and contributed to reports that shape how Tennessee allocates resources for transition-age youth. This is the kind of civic engagement that most people never get access to — and YAAB makes it available to young people who are 17 years old.

8. Resources Available to YAAB Members in Memphis

One of the most practical benefits of YAAB membership is access to a curated knowledge base of resources — and peers who know how to navigate them. Here is a look at the key resource areas that Memphis YAAB members tap into and share with their communities.

Housing and Shelter Resources

YAAB membership connects you to knowledge about the full landscape of housing resources in Memphis and Shelby County, including:

• Rapid Rehousing programs that provide short-term rental assistance and case management for youth
• Transitional Living Programs (TLPs) that offer 18-to-24-month housing with support services
• Host Home programs that match youth with vetted community hosts for short-term stable housing
• Emergency shelter options for youth in immediate crisis

YAAB members are not case managers, but they are trained to know what exists and how to connect peers to it. For a broader look at youth homelessness resources, visit the YAAB statewide resources page.

Education, Employment, and Financial Literacy

Beyond housing, YAAB connects members and their peers to resources in three other critical areas:

• Education: GED programs, community college enrollment support, and scholarship opportunities for youth who have experienced homelessness
• Employment: Job training programs, youth employment initiatives, and workforce development resources specific to Memphis
• Financial literacy: Banking basics, credit building, budgeting tools, and benefits navigation (including how housing assistance can interact with income)

These are not just referrals — YAAB members are peers who can walk alongside someone through the process of accessing these resources, which makes a real difference in follow-through.

Mental Health and Wellness Support

Housing instability and trauma often go hand in hand. YAAB acknowledges this reality and connects members to mental health and wellness resources in Memphis, including community mental health centers, peer support specialists, and trauma-informed counseling services. YAAB’s organizational culture is itself trauma-informed — meetings are designed to be safe spaces, and members are never required to share more than they are comfortable with. The goal is for YAAB to be a place where you can show up as your whole self, not just the parts that are easy to talk about.

YAAB vs. Other Youth Support Programs: How They Compare

There are many programs available to transition-age youth in Tennessee. Here is how YAAB membership compares to other common options across key dimensions that matter to young people.

9. YAAB Membership vs. Other Youth Programs: How It Compares

If you’re weighing your options for how to get involved or access support, it helps to understand how YAAB is different from other programs you might have heard about. The table below compares YAAB membership to other common program types available to transition-age youth in Tennessee.

10. Common Questions and Concerns About Joining

It’s normal to have hesitations before joining something new — especially if past experiences with institutions have not always been positive. Here are honest answers to the concerns that come up most often from young people considering YAAB membership in Memphis.

"I Don't Feel Like a Leader — Is YAAB Still for Me?"

Yes. YAAB does not require you to already be a confident public speaker or a natural organizer. The whole point of the program is to develop those skills in young people who have not had the opportunity to build them yet. Many YAAB members joined feeling unsure of themselves and left their first year with skills they never expected to have. Leadership is not a personality type — it is a set of learnable practices, and YAAB teaches them.

"I'm Worried About Confidentiality"

This is one of the most common concerns new members raise, and it is completely valid. YAAB takes confidentiality seriously. You are never required to share your personal story publicly, and member information is not shared with housing agencies, law enforcement, or government databases without your consent. YAAB is an advocacy organization, not a service provider — it does not have the power to affect your housing status, benefits, or legal situation based on what you share in meetings. If you have specific concerns, raise them directly with the chapter coordinator before your first meeting.

"What If My Schedule Is Unpredictable?"

Life when you’re dealing with housing instability is rarely predictable. YAAB gets that. Chapters are designed to accommodate members whose schedules shift due to work, housing changes, or other life circumstances. Missing a meeting does not mean you lose your membership. Chapters also offer flexible ways to stay engaged — virtual participation, smaller workgroup involvement, and one-on-one check-ins with coordinators — so that you can stay connected even when showing up in person isn’t possible. Consistency is encouraged, but rigid attendance requirements are not the YAAB way.

11. Youth Homelessness in Memphis: The Numbers That Make This Work Urgent

Advocacy is most powerful when it is grounded in facts. Here is a look at the data behind youth homelessness in Tennessee and Memphis — and why it makes the work of organizations like YAAB not just meaningful but urgently necessary.

What the Data Shows About Tennessee Youth

Understanding the scale of the problem helps explain why YAAB’s work matters so much. According to the 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) from HUD, Tennessee counted over 8,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night — and transition-age youth (ages 18 to 24) represent a significant and often undercounted portion of that number. Nationally, an estimated 4.2 million young adults experience some form of homelessness each year, according to the True Colors United and Chapin Hall research. In urban areas like Memphis, youth homelessness is concentrated and often invisible — young people are more likely to be couch-surfing or staying in informal situations than sleeping outside, which means they don’t show up in point-in-time counts.

Why Lived Experience Matters in Policy

Research consistently shows that programs designed with input from the people they serve are more effective than those designed without it. A 2021 study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that youth-informed homeless service programs had significantly higher rates of housing placement and service retention among transition-age youth compared to programs without youth advisory input. This is the evidence base behind YAAB’s model — it is not just feel-good inclusion, it is better policy outcomes. When you join YAAB, you are not just helping yourself or even just helping your peers. You are making the entire system work better for everyone.

Ready to Join? Your Next Move Starts Here

You’ve read this far, which means something about YAAB resonates with you. That is enough of a reason to reach out. Here is exactly what to do next — no complicated process, no long wait, no judgment.

Take the First Step Today

If you’re a young adult ages 17 to 25 in Memphis or Shelby County with lived experience of housing instability, there has never been a better time to get involved. The Memphis YAAB chapter — TN-502 — is actively welcoming new members and looking for young people who want to turn their experience into impact. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the first step.

Visit the TN-502 chapter page to find current contact information, upcoming meeting dates, and everything you need to get started. The people on the other end of that contact form are peers — young adults who were once in the same position you’re in right now.

Explore YAAB's Broader Mission

Want to learn more before you reach out? Spend some time on the YAAB About page to understand the organization’s history, values, and statewide structure. You can also read about the broader issue of youth homelessness in Tennessee at yaabtn.org/understanding-youth-homelessness — a resource that puts your experience in context and explains why the work YAAB does is so critical right now.

Whether you’re in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, or anywhere else across Tennessee, there is a YAAB chapter near you and a community of peers ready to welcome you in. Your voice belongs in this conversation — and YAAB is the place to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old do you have to be to join YAAB in Memphis Tennessee?

You must be between 17 and 25 years old to join the Memphis YAAB chapter (TN-502). There is no minimum educational requirement, and you do not need to be currently experiencing homelessness — past lived experience of housing instability qualifies.

Do you have to be currently homeless to join YAAB?

No. YAAB membership is open to young adults who have any lived experience of homelessness or housing instability, including past experiences. Many members are in stable housing when they join and use their experience to help others and shape better policies.

Does YAAB pay members for their time?

Many YAAB chapters, including the Memphis TN-502 chapter, offer stipends or incentives for active participation in meetings, trainings, and advocacy events. Contact the chapter directly for current details on stipend amounts and participation requirements.

What is the Memphis Continuum of Care and how does YAAB fit into it?

The Memphis Shelby County Continuum of Care (CoC TN-502) is the federally recognized system that coordinates homeless services and HUD funding in the Memphis area. YAAB's Memphis chapter is embedded in this system as a youth advisory body, meaning members have a direct voice in how local housing programs are designed and funded.

Can foster care alumni join YAAB in Memphis?

Absolutely — foster care alumni are strongly encouraged to join. Young people aging out of Tennessee's foster care system face significantly higher rates of homelessness, and their experience is exactly the kind of insight YAAB needs at the policy table.

What if I can't make it to every YAAB meeting?

YAAB understands that life for transition-age youth can be unpredictable. Missing a meeting does not end your membership. Chapters offer flexible options including virtual participation and smaller workgroup involvement so you can stay engaged even when in-person attendance isn't possible.