What Is a Youth Action Board (YAAB) and Why Does It Exist?

The Youth Action Board of Tennessee (YAAB) is a statewide network of young adults ages 17 to 25 who have experienced homelessness or housing instability. It is not a service program — it is a leadership and advocacy body. YAAB members help design, evaluate, and improve the very programs and policies that affect transition-age youth across Tennessee. Think of it as the youth-led advisory council that every Continuum of Care region is required to take seriously.

Lived Experience as a Qualification

Most policy tables are filled with adults who study homelessness from the outside. YAABs flip that model. The only credential you need to join is your own experience — having lived through housing instability, sleeping in a shelter, couch-surfing, aging out of foster care, or any other form of homelessness as a young person. That experience is treated as expertise, because it is.

YAAB members review funding proposals, advise local Continuum of Care (CoC) boards, and give feedback on programs before they launch — so services actually work for the people who need them.

The Continuum of Care Connection

Tennessee’s homeless services are organized through a federal framework called the Continuum of Care (CoC). Each CoC is a geographic region that coordinates housing and support services. Tennessee has eight CoC regions, and each one has — or is building — its own YAAB chapter. That structure means your local YAAB is plugged directly into the decision-making table that controls housing resources in your area.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), transition-age youth (ages 18–24) made up roughly 9% of all people experiencing homelessness counted on a single night in 2023. YAABs exist to make sure that 9% has a seat at the table.

How Tennessee's 8 CoC Regions Map to Local YAABs

Tennessee is a long, diverse state — what works in Memphis may not fit the needs of a rural youth in the Upper Cumberland. That’s why the YAAB network mirrors the state’s eight Continuum of Care regions, giving every young person a local chapter that understands their specific community context.

Understanding the CoC Numbering System

Each Tennessee CoC is assigned a federal code by HUD. You’ll see these codes — TN-500, TN-501, TN-502, and so on — used in funding documents and on the YAAB website. Don’t let the numbers intimidate you; they simply identify which geographic region a CoC covers. Knowing your region’s code makes it easier to find the right local YAAB chapter and the right housing resources.

• TN-500 — Chattanooga/Hamilton County
• TN-501 — Memphis/Shelby County
• TN-502 — Knoxville/Knox County
• TN-503 — Nashville/Davidson County
• TN-504 — Northeast Tennessee
• TN-506 — Upper Cumberland
• TN-507 — Jackson/West Tennessee
• TN-509 — Balance of State (rural and smaller communities)

Why Your Region Matters for Housing Resources

CoC regions are not just administrative labels — they control real money. Each region receives its own HUD funding allocation for rapid rehousing, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and youth-specific programs. When your local YAAB advocates within a CoC, it is directly influencing how those dollars get spent and whether youth-specific beds and services get prioritized.

In Tennessee’s 2023 Point-in-Time Count, the state recorded over 8,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night. Young adults ages 17–25 are consistently among the most undercounted and underserved segments of that population. Local YAABs are the mechanism for changing that.

Memphis and Shelby County YAAB (TN-501)

Memphis is home to one of Tennessee’s most active YAAB chapters. The TN-501 chapter operates within the Memphis/Shelby County Continuum of Care, one of the state’s largest and most complex CoC systems. Youth in this region deal with challenges that are both urban — high housing costs relative to income, limited public transit, and concentrated poverty — and systemic, including high rates of youth aging out of foster care without stable housing plans.

Who This Chapter Serves

The Memphis/Shelby County YAAB serves transition-age youth across the greater Memphis metro area, including communities in Shelby County beyond the city limits. Memphis is Tennessee’s largest city by population and has a significant concentration of youth experiencing homelessness, particularly Black and LGBTQ+ young people who face compounding barriers to stable housing.

If you are in the Memphis area and have lived experience of housing instability, the TN-501 YAAB chapter is your local entry point into statewide advocacy and peer leadership.

Getting Connected in Memphis

Local YAAB chapters in urban areas like Memphis often partner with existing youth shelters, drop-in centers, and rapid rehousing programs. Connecting with your local CoC’s coordinated entry system is one of the fastest ways to get linked to both services and the YAAB. You can also reach out directly through the YAAB Tennessee website to find the current chapter contact for TN-501.

• Look for YAAB tabling events at youth-serving organizations in Memphis
• Ask your case manager or housing navigator if they know the local YAAB liaison
• Check the TN-501 YAAB chapter page for current meeting times and contact info

Nashville and Davidson County YAAB (TN-503)

As Tennessee’s capital city, Nashville offers YAAB members a unique opportunity: direct access to state lawmakers and policymakers. The TN-503 chapter is positioned at the intersection of local CoC advocacy and statewide legislative engagement, making it a powerful launchpad for young people who want their voices heard at the highest levels of Tennessee government.

Nashville's Youth Housing Landscape

Nashville has experienced explosive population growth over the past decade, and that growth has driven up rents dramatically. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Nashville surpassed $1,500 per month in 2023 — far out of reach for most young adults earning minimum wage or working part-time. That economic pressure makes the TN-503 YAAB chapter’s advocacy work especially urgent.

The Nashville CoC serves Davidson County and coordinates with neighboring counties. Youth homelessness in Nashville is often hidden — young people couch-surfing, staying in cars, or doubling up in overcrowded apartments rarely show up in official counts.

Opportunities for Nashville Youth

Nashville’s size means more youth-serving organizations, more potential partners, and more advocacy opportunities. The TN-503 YAAB chapter has opportunities to engage with Metro Nashville government, state legislative offices (since Nashville is the state capital), and large nonprofit partners.

• YAAB members in Nashville have testified before state legislative committees
• The chapter connects members to education pathways, including GED programs and community college enrollment support
• Visit the TN-503 YAAB chapter page for Nashville-specific meeting info and contacts

Knoxville, Chattanooga, and East Tennessee YAABs (TN-502 and TN-500)

East Tennessee’s two major urban CoC regions — Knoxville and Chattanooga — each have distinct housing markets and youth service ecosystems, but both share a common challenge: young adults experiencing homelessness are often invisible in their communities, couch-surfing or staying in unsafe situations rather than accessing shelter. Both YAAB chapters work to change that by pushing for better outreach, more youth-specific housing options, and stronger connections between young people and the services that exist.

Knoxville/Knox County — TN-502

Knoxville’s YAAB chapter serves Knox County and the surrounding East Tennessee communities within the TN-502 CoC. The University of Tennessee’s presence in Knoxville creates a mixed housing market — student demand drives up rents while also creating some peer support infrastructure. Young adults who are not enrolled in college often find themselves squeezed out of affordable options.

The TN-502 YAAB chapter works with Knoxville’s coordinated entry system and youth-specific housing programs to advocate for more transition-age youth beds and better outreach to young people experiencing hidden homelessness. Find current chapter details on the TN-502 YAAB page.

Chattanooga/Hamilton County — TN-500

Chattanooga has invested heavily in economic development over the past decade, but that investment has not always reached young adults experiencing homelessness. The TN-500 YAAB chapter serves Hamilton County and advocates within one of Tennessee’s more mid-sized CoC systems. Chattanooga’s geography — nestled between mountains and the Tennessee River — also means that rural youth in surrounding Hamilton County communities sometimes face transportation barriers to accessing services.

• The TN-500 chapter focuses on ensuring rural and suburban youth within Hamilton County are counted and served
• Members have opportunities to engage with Chattanooga’s growing nonprofit ecosystem
• See the TN-500 YAAB chapter page for current contact information

Rural and Regional YAABs: Northeast TN, Upper Cumberland, Jackson/West TN, and Balance of State

Rural and regional youth across Tennessee face a different set of challenges than their urban peers — not necessarily harder, but different. Fewer shelters, longer distances to services, less public transportation, and smaller social networks all shape what housing instability looks like outside Tennessee’s major cities. The YAAB chapters in these regions are especially important because they amplify voices that state and federal policymakers might otherwise never hear.

Northeast Tennessee — TN-504

Northeast Tennessee covers a large swath of Appalachian communities, including the Tri-Cities area (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol) and surrounding rural counties. Youth homelessness in this region is often deeply hidden — young people are less likely to access shelter because shelter options are scarce, and stigma around homelessness can be higher in tight-knit rural communities.

The TN-504 YAAB chapter is a critical voice for rural youth who are often undercounted in state and federal data. Members advocate for more mobile outreach, rural housing options, and transportation support. Find the chapter at the TN-504 YAAB page.

Upper Cumberland — TN-506 and Jackson/West TN — TN-507

The Upper Cumberland region (centered around Cookeville) and the Jackson/West Tennessee region each face the challenges common to mid-sized and rural Tennessee communities: limited affordable housing stock, fewer youth-specific services, and long distances between resources. Both YAAB chapters work to ensure that young adults in these regions are not forgotten in statewide policy conversations.

• TN-506 (Upper Cumberland): Chapter page and contacts
• TN-507 (Jackson/West TN): Chapter page and contacts
• TN-509 (Balance of State): Covers smaller communities and rural areas not in other CoCs — TN-509 chapter page

What Happens When You Join a Local YAAB?

Joining a YAAB chapter is one of the most direct ways a young person in Tennessee can turn their lived experience into lasting change. But what does membership actually look like day to day? Here’s an honest, practical breakdown of what you can expect when you get involved with your local chapter.

Your First Steps as a New Member

Joining a YAAB chapter does not require a resume, a degree, or any prior advocacy experience. The process typically starts with reaching out to your local chapter — either through the YAAB Tennessee website or through a referral from a case manager, housing navigator, or peer. Most chapters hold regular meetings (monthly or bi-weekly) that are open to any young adult ages 17–25 who meets the lived-experience criteria.

At your first meeting, expect a welcoming environment where members share what they’re working on, discuss upcoming advocacy opportunities, and connect with each other. Many chapters offer stipends, transportation support, or meals to make participation accessible.

What YAAB Members Actually Do

YAAB membership is active, not passive. Here’s what members typically do across Tennessee’s chapters:

• Advise CoC boards: Review funding applications and give feedback on whether proposed programs actually serve youth well
• Testify and advocate: Speak at public hearings, legislative sessions, and community forums
• Design programs: Provide input on new shelter rules, housing programs, and outreach strategies before they launch
• Connect peers: Help other young people navigate housing, employment, education, and mental health resources
• Lead projects: Develop their own advocacy campaigns, resource guides, and community events

Members also gain real skills: public speaking, policy analysis, community organizing, and professional networking — all of which translate directly into career and educational opportunities.

Stipends, Support, and What to Expect

YAAB chapters across Tennessee recognize that asking young people — many of whom are working to stabilize their own lives — to volunteer their time and expertise without compensation is not equitable. Most chapters offer stipends for participation, typically ranging from $25 to $75 per meeting or event, though amounts vary by chapter and available funding. Some chapters also provide bus passes, rideshare credits, or reimbursement for transportation costs.

If you have questions about what your local chapter offers, the best approach is to ask directly when you reach out. No question is too basic — YAAB chapters want to remove barriers to participation, not add them.

Tennessee YAAB Chapters at a Glance: All 8 Regions

Use this table to quickly identify your region's YAAB chapter, the CoC code, the major city or area served, and the key focus areas for each chapter.

Resources and Support You Can Access Through YAAB

YAAB is primarily a leadership and advocacy network, but being connected to your local chapter opens doors to a wide range of practical support. Members benefit from peer knowledge, organizational relationships, and the collective power of a statewide network that is deeply embedded in Tennessee’s housing and social services ecosystem.

Housing and Shelter Navigation

YAAB members and staff are deeply connected to local housing resources. While YAAB itself is not a housing provider, its members often know the fastest pathways into coordinated entry, youth shelters, rapid rehousing programs, and transitional housing in their region. Peer navigation — getting help from someone who has been through the system themselves — is often more effective than navigating alone.

Tennessee’s CoC regions each have a coordinated entry system where you can be assessed for housing programs. YAAB members can help you understand what to expect and how to advocate for yourself in that process. Learn more about youth homelessness resources at the YAAB Tennessee resources page.

Education, Employment, and Financial Literacy

Many YAAB chapters connect members to resources beyond housing, including:

• GED and HiSET pathways: Tennessee offers free GED testing for eligible residents, and YAAB members can point you toward local prep programs
• Workforce development: Connections to job training, apprenticeships, and youth employment programs like YouthBuild and AmeriCorps
• Financial literacy: Workshops and peer support around budgeting, banking, credit building, and understanding leases
• Benefits navigation: Help understanding TennCare (Medicaid), SNAP, and other public benefits you may be eligible for

Mental Health and Peer Support

Housing instability takes a real toll on mental health. YAAB chapters create spaces where young people can be honest about what they’re going through without judgment. While YAAB is not a mental health provider, many chapters have relationships with local mental health organizations and can connect members to counseling, crisis support, and peer support groups.

The act of being in community with others who understand your experience — and being treated as a leader rather than a client — is itself a form of healing and empowerment that many YAAB members describe as transformative.

For Case Managers and Service Providers: How to Connect Youth to YAAB

This section is for the adults in the room — case managers, CoC partners, shelter staff, school counselors, and anyone else who works with transition-age youth in Tennessee. You play a critical role in connecting young people to YAAB, and this section explains how to do that effectively and respectfully.

Why Referrals from Trusted Adults Matter

Many young people who would thrive in YAAB never hear about it — not because they’re not interested, but because no one told them it exists. Case managers, housing navigators, school counselors, and other service providers are often the most trusted adults in a young person’s life. A warm referral from someone they already trust dramatically increases the likelihood that a young person will follow through on connecting with their local YAAB chapter.

When making a referral, be specific: tell the young person what YAAB is, what they would do as a member, and that their experience is exactly what the chapter needs. Avoid framing it as a ‘program’ they need to complete — frame it as an opportunity they’ve earned.

Partnering with Your Local YAAB Chapter

Organizations that serve transition-age youth can also partner formally with their regional YAAB chapter. Partnership might look like:

• Hosting YAAB meetings or outreach events at your facility
• Including YAAB information in your intake packets and orientation materials
• Inviting YAAB members to provide feedback on your programs and services
• Co-designing outreach campaigns that reach youth who aren’t yet connected to services

YAAB chapters welcome these partnerships because they extend the network’s reach into communities and populations that might otherwise be missed. Reach out through the YAAB Tennessee contact page to start a conversation.

YAAB vs. Other Youth Programs: What Makes It Different

If you’re weighing whether to get involved with YAAB versus other youth programs in your area, it helps to understand what makes YAAB genuinely different — not better or worse than other resources, but distinct in its purpose and structure.

Leadership, Not Just Services

Most programs for young people experiencing homelessness are designed to provide services to youth — shelter, case management, counseling, job training. These are essential, and YAAB does not replace them. What YAAB adds is something different: a structure where young people are the decision-makers, not just the recipients. Members sit on CoC boards, review funding proposals, and shape policy — roles that are typically reserved for adults with professional credentials.

This distinction matters because it changes the power dynamic. In YAAB, your lived experience is your credential. You are an expert, not a client.

Statewide Network, Local Roots

Unlike a single shelter or drop-in center, YAAB gives members access to a statewide network. That means connections to peers, advocates, and resources across all eight Tennessee CoC regions. Members who move from Memphis to Nashville, for example, can plug into the TN-503 chapter with an existing understanding of how the YAAB network operates. The statewide structure also means that advocacy wins in one region can spread to others.

At the same time, each local chapter is rooted in its own community — understanding the specific housing market, service landscape, and cultural context of its region. That combination of local knowledge and statewide power is what makes YAAB uniquely effective.

Ready to Find Your Local YAAB and Get Involved?

You’ve made it to the end of this guide — which means you’re serious about finding your local YAAB or connecting a young person you know to this network. Here’s everything you need to take your next step, all in one place.

Your Next Step Starts Here

Finding your local YAAB chapter is straightforward. The YAAB Tennessee website lists all eight regional chapters with contact information, meeting schedules, and chapter-specific details. Whether you’re in Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, the Tri-Cities, the Upper Cumberland, Jackson, or anywhere else in Tennessee, there is a chapter for you.

Visit the full list of local YAAB chapters across Tennessee to find the one nearest to you, get contact information, and take your first step toward getting involved. You don’t need to have everything figured out — you just need to show up.

Not Sure If You Qualify? You Probably Do

The eligibility criteria for YAAB membership are intentionally broad. If you are between the ages of 17 and 25 and have any lived experience of homelessness or housing instability — including couch-surfing, staying in a shelter, living in a car, doubling up with family or friends, or aging out of foster care without stable housing — you qualify. You do not need to currently be experiencing homelessness. Many YAAB members are in stable housing now and use their past experience to advocate for others.

If you’re still not sure, reach out anyway. The worst that can happen is that someone helps you find the right resource for where you are right now. Learn more about what YAAB is and who it’s for on the About YAAB page.

Spread the Word in Your Community

Even if you’re not ready to join yourself, you can help by spreading the word. If you know a young person in Tennessee who is experiencing housing instability and has something to say about it — share this article, share the YAAB website, or tell them directly that there is a space where their voice matters and where they will be treated as a leader, not a statistic.

Tennessee’s young adults deserve housing, stability, and a seat at the table. YAAB is how we get there — together, region by region, voice by voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a Youth Action Board near me in Tennessee?

Visit yaabtn.org/local-yaabs/ to see all eight regional YAAB chapters in Tennessee. Each chapter page lists contact information, meeting details, and the CoC region it serves. You can also ask a case manager or housing navigator to connect you with your local chapter.

Do I have to currently be homeless to join a YAAB in Tennessee?

No. You qualify if you are ages 17 to 25 and have any lived experience of homelessness or housing instability — including past experiences. Many YAAB members are now in stable housing and use their experience to advocate for others who are still going through it.

What is a Continuum of Care (CoC) and how does it relate to YAAB?

A Continuum of Care is a regional network of organizations that coordinates homeless services and housing resources, funded by HUD. Tennessee has eight CoC regions, and each one has a corresponding local YAAB chapter. YAAB members advise their regional CoC board and help shape how housing resources are allocated for young people.

Do YAAB members get paid for their time?

Most YAAB chapters offer stipends for participation, typically ranging from $25 to $75 per meeting or event, though amounts vary by chapter and funding availability. Some chapters also provide transportation support such as bus passes or rideshare credits. Contact your local chapter to ask about current compensation.

I'm a case manager. How do I refer a young person to their local YAAB?

The best referral is a warm one — tell the young person specifically what YAAB is, that their experience qualifies them, and that they will be treated as a leader, not a client. Direct them to yaabtn.org/local-yaabs/ or contact the local chapter yourself to make an introduction. You can also reach YAAB Tennessee through yaabtn.org/contact-yaab/.

What if there is no YAAB chapter active in my area of Tennessee right now?

All eight CoC regions in Tennessee have a corresponding YAAB chapter, though some are at different stages of development. If you're having trouble connecting with your regional chapter, reach out through the main YAAB Tennessee website at yaabtn.org/contact-yaab/ and the statewide team can help connect you or let you know about upcoming chapter development in your area.