What Is the Youth Action Board of Tennessee?

Before you apply, it helps to understand exactly what you are signing up for — and why it matters. The Youth Action Board of Tennessee is one of the most direct ways a young person with lived experience of homelessness can influence real policy decisions in their community. Here is a clear picture of what YAAB is, how it works, and why it exists.

A Statewide Network Built by and for Young People

The Youth Action Board (YAAB) of Tennessee is a statewide network of young adults — ages 17 to 25 — who have personally experienced homelessness or housing instability. YAAB is not a government agency or a nonprofit that talks about young people. It is a space where young people talk for themselves, shaping the policies and programs that directly affect their lives.

YAAB operates across Tennessee’s eight Continuum of Care (CoC) regions, meaning there is likely a local board in or near your community. Each regional board connects to a broader statewide network, giving members both local impact and a bigger platform.

How YAAB Fits Into Tennessee's Continuum of Care

Tennessee’s Continuum of Care is the coordinated system of organizations — shelters, housing programs, service providers, and government agencies — that work together to address homelessness. Federal funding, local policy decisions, and program design all flow through the CoC structure.

YAAB members sit at the table inside that system. They review data, give feedback on programs, and advocate for changes that actually reflect what transition-age youth need. This is meaningful, paid-attention-to input — not tokenism. When a CoC region makes decisions about which housing programs to fund or how to design a youth shelter, YAAB members have a voice in that conversation.

Who Can Apply — and Why Your Story Qualifies You

One of the most common reasons young people do not apply to advisory boards is that they do not think they qualify — or that their experience is not significant enough. Let’s clear that up right now. YAAB is designed for people exactly like you, and the eligibility bar is intentionally broad.

The Core Eligibility Requirements

To join a regional YAAB in Tennessee, you generally need to meet these criteria:

• Age: 17 to 25 years old at the time of application
• Lived experience: You have personally experienced homelessness, housing instability, or housing insecurity — including couch-surfing, staying in a shelter, aging out of foster care, or doubling up with others due to economic hardship
• Tennessee residency: You live in or near one of Tennessee’s eight CoC regions
• Willingness to engage: You are ready to attend meetings, share your perspective, and participate in advocacy activities

You do not need a college degree, a resume full of experience, or any prior knowledge of housing policy. Your lived experience is the primary qualification.

Aging Out of Foster Care Counts

If you aged out of Tennessee’s foster care system, your experience absolutely qualifies. Young people who age out of foster care at 18 — or up to age 21 under extended care — face some of the highest rates of housing instability of any group. YAAB specifically centers the voices of foster care alumni because their perspective is essential to designing better systems.

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 years of exiting care. Your insight into what works and what fails in that transition is exactly what CoC leaders need to hear.

What 'Lived Experience' Really Means

Housing instability looks different for everyone. You qualify if your experience includes any of the following:

• Staying in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program
• Sleeping outside, in a car, or in a place not meant for human habitation
• Couch-surfing or staying temporarily with friends or family because you had nowhere else to go
• Being evicted or at serious risk of eviction
• Aging out of foster care or the juvenile justice system without stable housing
• Fleeing an unsafe home situation

You do not have to be currently homeless to apply. Many YAAB members are now housed but carry experience that makes them powerful advocates for peers still in crisis.

The 8 Regional YAABs Across Tennessee

Tennessee is a big, diverse state — and YAAB reflects that. With eight regional boards covering everything from Memphis to the Tri-Cities, there is a local community of young advocates near you. Here is what you need to know about each region.

Finding the YAAB Closest to You

Tennessee’s Continuum of Care system is divided into eight regions, each with its own local YAAB. Here is a quick overview of the regions and the communities they serve:

• TN-500 (Memphis/Shelby County): Serves the greater Memphis metro area
• TN-501 (Nashville/Davidson County): Covers Nashville and surrounding Davidson County
• TN-502 (Knoxville/Knox County): Serves Knoxville and Knox County
• TN-503 (Chattanooga/Hamilton County): Covers Chattanooga and Hamilton County
• TN-504 (Jackson/West Tennessee): Serves Jackson and the broader West Tennessee region
• TN-506 (Upper Cumberland): Covers the Upper Cumberland plateau region
• TN-507 (Northeast Tennessee): Serves the Tri-Cities area and Northeast TN
• TN-509 (Southeast Tennessee): Covers Southeast Tennessee communities

Not sure which region you are in? Visit the local YAABs page to find the board nearest you.

What Each Regional Board Does Locally

While all regional YAABs share the same core mission, each one also responds to the specific needs of its community. A YAAB in Memphis may be focused on issues like shelter capacity and rapid rehousing timelines in Shelby County. A YAAB in Northeast Tennessee may be more focused on rural housing gaps and transportation barriers.

This local focus means that when you join your regional YAAB, you are not just doing abstract advocacy — you are directly influencing the programs and decisions that affect young people in your specific city or county. Your regional board meets regularly, often monthly, and may hold community events, listening sessions, and advocacy days throughout the year.

What YAAB Members Actually Do Day to Day

Wondering what you would actually be doing as a YAAB member? The role is active, varied, and genuinely impactful. Here is an honest look at what membership involves on a practical level — from monthly meetings to advocacy days to peer outreach.

Advising CoC Leaders and Policymakers

YAAB members are not just observers — they are formal advisors. In practice, this means attending Continuum of Care meetings, reviewing proposed policies, and giving structured feedback on programs that serve transition-age youth. CoC leaders in Tennessee are required to incorporate youth voice into their planning processes, and YAAB is the primary mechanism for that.

Members have contributed to decisions about how homeless management information systems (HMIS) collect data on youth, how coordinated entry systems prioritize young people for housing, and what types of transitional housing programs receive funding. That is real, lasting impact.

Peer Outreach and Community Connection

YAAB members also serve as connectors within their communities. Because members have lived experience, they are often the most trusted messengers for peers who are skeptical of systems and service providers. Members may help spread the word about available resources, attend outreach events, or simply be a point of contact for a friend who needs help navigating the system.

This peer-to-peer role is one of the most meaningful parts of YAAB membership. You are not just advising from a conference room — you are actively helping people you know access housing, mental health support, employment, and education resources.

Advocacy, Storytelling, and Legislative Engagement

YAAB members engage in advocacy at both the local and state level. This can include:

• Testifying at city council or county commission meetings
• Participating in Tennessee state legislative advocacy days in Nashville
• Writing op-eds or giving media interviews about youth homelessness
• Presenting data and personal testimony to funders and policymakers
• Participating in national advocacy efforts through organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness

You choose how much you want to engage. Some members focus on local meetings; others step into statewide or even national spotlights. YAAB meets you where you are.

Benefits of Joining — Skills, Stipends, and More

Joining YAAB is not just about giving back — it is also an investment in your own future. Members gain tangible skills, professional connections, and in many cases financial compensation for their time. Here is what you can expect to gain from membership.

Leadership and Professional Development

YAAB membership is a real resume builder. Members develop skills in public speaking, policy analysis, community organizing, data interpretation, and facilitation. Many members go on to careers in social work, public policy, nonprofit management, and community health — and they cite YAAB as a turning point.

YAAB also connects members to training opportunities, conferences, and workshops that would otherwise be hard to access. These experiences translate directly into job skills and professional references that can open doors for education and employment in Tennessee and beyond.

Stipends and Compensation for Your Time

YAAB recognizes that your time has value. Many regional YAABs offer stipends or honoraria for member participation in meetings and events. Compensation structures vary by region and funding availability, but the principle is consistent: young people should not have to volunteer their lived experience for free, especially when that experience is being used to shape multimillion-dollar funding decisions.

Ask your regional YAAB coordinator about the current compensation structure when you apply. Stipends are typically provided per meeting or per event, and some leadership roles carry additional compensation.

Community, Belonging, and Peer Support

Beyond the professional benefits, YAAB offers something harder to quantify but just as important: community. Many members describe YAAB as the first place they felt truly seen and heard — a space where their experience was an asset rather than a source of shame.

The peer relationships formed inside YAAB often last well beyond membership. Former members stay connected, support each other through transitions, and build networks that help with housing, employment, and mental health. For young adults navigating life after housing instability, that kind of community can be life-changing.

How Youth Homelessness Affects Tennessee — the Numbers

YAAB’s work is grounded in real data about real people. Here is a snapshot of what youth homelessness looks like across Tennessee — numbers that make clear why having young advocates at the policy table is not optional, it is essential.

Statewide Data on Transition-Age Youth

Understanding the scale of youth homelessness in Tennessee helps put YAAB’s work in context. According to the most recent Point-in-Time (PIT) counts and federal data:

• Tennessee’s annual PIT count consistently identifies hundreds of transition-age youth (ages 18–24) experiencing homelessness on any given night — and experts estimate the true number is 3 to 5 times higher due to the hidden nature of youth homelessness (couch-surfing, doubling up)
• Approximately 30% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, often due to family rejection
• Young people who age out of foster care represent a disproportionate share of the homeless youth population — nationally, up to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness have a foster care history
• The average age of first homelessness for youth is 14 years old nationally, meaning many young adults in YAAB’s age range have been navigating instability for years

Why Youth Homelessness Is Different

Youth homelessness is not simply adult homelessness at a younger age. It has distinct causes, patterns, and solutions. Young people are more likely to experience hidden homelessness — staying with friends, in cars, or in other unstable situations that do not show up in shelter counts. They are less likely to use adult shelters, which can feel unsafe or inaccessible.

This is exactly why YAAB exists. Systems designed without youth input tend to miss the mark — creating shelters with curfews that conflict with work shifts, or requiring documentation that youth in crisis simply do not have. YAAB members fix those design flaws from the inside.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply to Your Regional YAAB

Ready to apply? The process is simpler than you might think. Here is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to go from interested to officially on board with your regional YAAB in Tennessee.

Step 1 — Identify Your Region and Local Board

Start by figuring out which of Tennessee’s eight CoC regions you live in. If you are in Memphis or Shelby County, that is TN-500. Nashville/Davidson is TN-501. Knoxville/Knox is TN-502. Chattanooga/Hamilton is TN-503. Jackson and West Tennessee is TN-504. Upper Cumberland is TN-506. Northeast Tennessee is TN-507. Southeast Tennessee is TN-509.

If you are unsure, do not let that stop you. Visit the YAAB website and reach out — the team will help you figure out the right regional board for your location.

Step 2 — Complete the Application

Each regional YAAB has an application process. The application typically includes:

• Basic contact information and age verification
• A brief description of your lived experience with housing instability (you share only what you are comfortable sharing)
• Your interest in advocacy and what you hope to contribute
• Availability for meetings and events

Applications are designed to be accessible — they are not lengthy academic essays. The goal is to understand who you are and what drives you, not to screen people out. If you need accommodations to complete the application (language support, accessibility needs, etc.), reach out to the regional coordinator.

Step 3 — Interview or Orientation

After submitting your application, you may be invited to a brief interview or an orientation session with the regional YAAB coordinator or current members. This is a two-way conversation — it is a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for the group, not just for them to evaluate you.

Many regional YAABs hold regular orientation or onboarding sessions for new members, so even if you miss one cycle, there will be another opportunity. Once you are onboarded, you will be introduced to the full board and begin attending meetings right away.

What to Expect in Your First 90 Days as a Member

Getting accepted is just the beginning. Your first three months as a YAAB member set the tone for your entire experience. Here is what to expect and how to make the most of those early weeks.

Your First Meeting

Your first YAAB meeting can feel a little overwhelming — new faces, new acronyms (CoC, HMIS, TAY, PIT), and a lot of context to absorb. That is completely normal. Every current member was once in your seat. Most regional boards have a buddy system or peer mentor who can help you get oriented and answer questions before and after meetings.

Come prepared to listen more than you speak in the beginning, but do not hold back if you have something to say. Your perspective is fresh and valuable — sometimes the person who just joined asks the question that everyone else forgot to ask.

Building Relationships and Finding Your Role

Within your first 90 days, you will start to get a sense of where your strengths fit within the board. Some members gravitate toward data and policy review. Others shine in community outreach or public speaking. Some prefer behind-the-scenes coordination and logistics. There is no single right way to contribute.

Talk to your regional coordinator about opportunities that match your interests. Many boards have working groups or committees focused on specific issues — housing policy, mental health resources, employment pathways — and joining one of these smaller groups is a great way to go deeper on a topic you care about.

Tracking Your Impact Early

One of the most motivating things you can do in your first 90 days is start keeping a simple record of your contributions. Note the meetings you attended, the feedback you gave, the peers you connected to resources, and the advocacy actions you participated in. This record becomes part of your professional portfolio and helps you articulate your YAAB experience to future employers, colleges, or scholarship committees.

YAAB membership is not just a line on a resume — it is a story of leadership, resilience, and community impact. The sooner you start documenting it, the richer that story becomes.

YAAB vs. Other Youth Engagement Models — How They Compare

Not all youth advisory programs are the same. Here is how YAAB stacks up against other common models of youth engagement in the housing and social services space.

How YAAB Membership Supports Your Own Housing and Stability

YAAB is not just about giving — it is also about receiving. Membership actively supports your own stability, growth, and future. Here is how being part of YAAB can help you build a more secure life while you help others do the same.

Access to Resources Through Your Network

YAAB members are embedded in Tennessee’s Continuum of Care network, which means they have direct access to information about housing programs, emergency assistance, and support services — often before that information reaches the general public. Members frequently help each other navigate coordinated entry systems, identify open shelter beds, and connect to rapid rehousing programs.

This is not a formal benefit of membership, but it is a real one. Being inside the system — knowing the people, the programs, and the processes — makes it significantly easier to access help when you need it. For young adults still working toward stable housing, that insider knowledge can be the difference between a crisis and a solution.

Employment and Education Pathways

YAAB membership opens doors to employment and education in tangible ways. Members have used their YAAB experience to:

• Qualify for jobs in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and social services
• Strengthen college applications and scholarship essays
• Earn professional references from CoC leaders and program directors
• Access workforce development programs connected to the YAAB network
• Build the confidence to pursue GED completion, vocational training, or college enrollment

Tennessee has a range of education and workforce programs specifically for transition-age youth — and YAAB members are often the first to know about new opportunities. Check the YAAB resources page for an updated list of programs available in your region.

For Case Managers and Service Providers: Referring Youth to YAAB

This section is for the adults in the room — case managers, housing navigators, shelter staff, and CoC partners — who work alongside transition-age youth every day. Here is how you can actively support YAAB by connecting the young people you serve to this opportunity.

Why Referrals Matter

If you are a case manager, housing navigator, CoC partner, or service provider working with transition-age youth in Tennessee, YAAB referrals are one of the most impactful things you can do for a young person who is ready to step into leadership. YAAB gives young adults a structured, supported environment to channel their experience into something meaningful — and that sense of purpose is itself a stabilizing force.

Research consistently shows that civic engagement and leadership roles improve mental health outcomes for young people who have experienced trauma and instability. Referring an eligible young person to YAAB is not a distraction from case management — it is an extension of it.

How to Make a Warm Referral

A warm referral is far more effective than simply handing someone a flyer. Here is how to make a referral that actually leads to membership:

• Have the conversation in person — explain what YAAB is in plain language, not jargon
• Address common hesitations — many young people worry they are not qualified, that meetings will be boring, or that their voice will not matter. Counter each of these directly
• Connect them to the regional coordinator — introduce them by name if possible, rather than leaving them to navigate the website alone
• Follow up — check in after a week to see if they reached out and offer to help with any barriers (transportation, technology access, etc.)

The young people most likely to thrive in YAAB are often the ones who would never self-nominate. Your encouragement can make all the difference.

YAAB vs. Other Youth Advisory Programs — How It Compares

If you are weighing your options or trying to explain YAAB to someone else, it helps to understand how it compares to similar programs. The comparison table below breaks down YAAB alongside other common youth engagement models.

What Makes YAAB Distinct

There are several types of youth advisory programs operating in Tennessee and nationally. YAAB stands out for a few key reasons:

• Policy-level access: YAAB members engage directly with CoC governance — not just community events
• Lived-experience requirement: Membership is specifically for young people who have experienced homelessness, not just youth who are interested in advocacy generally
• Compensation: Many programs treat youth voice as a volunteer contribution; YAAB works to compensate members for their time
• Statewide infrastructure: Eight regional boards plus a statewide network means both local impact and broader reach
• HUD alignment: YAAB is connected to the federal Continuum of Care framework, meaning member input has pathways to influence federal funding decisions

Ready to Join? Your Next Step Starts Here

You have made it to the end of this guide — which means you are serious about this. Here is everything you need to take the next step, whether you are ready to apply today or just starting to explore what YAAB membership could mean for you. Young adults across Tennessee — from Memphis to the Tri-Cities — are already at the table. There is a seat there for you too.

Apply Today — Your Voice Is Needed Now

Tennessee’s Continuum of Care regions are making decisions right now — about which programs to fund, how to design coordinated entry for youth, and what data to collect on housing instability. Those decisions are better when young people with lived experience are in the room. That means YAAB needs you — not someday, but now.

If you are between 17 and 25, have experienced housing instability, and live anywhere in Tennessee, you are eligible. The application is accessible, the community is welcoming, and the impact is real. Apply to join your regional Youth Action Board today and start turning your experience into change.

Explore YAAB and Learn More Before You Apply

Not quite ready to apply but want to learn more first? That is completely valid. Here are some good next steps:

• Visit the About YAAB page to read more about the organization’s history, mission, and structure
• Check out the local YAABs page to find your regional board and see what they have been working on
• Browse the resources page for housing, employment, and education tools available to young adults in Tennessee
• Attend a community event or listening session in your area — many regional YAABs host open events where you can meet members before committing to anything

Wherever you are in your journey — whether you are currently in a shelter, recently housed, or years out from your experience of homelessness — YAAB has a place for you. Your story is not a liability. It is your greatest asset.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You do not need to be currently homeless. YAAB welcomes young adults who have experienced homelessness or housing instability at any point in the past, including those who are now housed. Your past experience is what qualifies you, not your current situation.

Is there an age limit to join the Youth Action Board of Tennessee?

Yes. YAAB membership is open to young adults ages 17 to 25. This is the transition-age youth window defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. If you are approaching 25, apply now — you can still make a significant impact during your remaining eligible time.

Do YAAB members get paid for their time?

Many regional YAABs offer stipends or honoraria for participation in meetings and events. Compensation structures vary by region and available funding. Ask your regional YAAB coordinator about the current payment structure when you apply or reach out.

What if I aged out of foster care — does that qualify me for YAAB?

Yes, absolutely. Aging out of foster care and experiencing housing instability as a result is one of the most common pathways into YAAB. Foster care alumni bring essential perspective to CoC decision-making, and YAAB specifically values that experience.

How do I find the YAAB in my part of Tennessee?

Tennessee has eight regional YAABs covering Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Jackson and West Tennessee, the Upper Cumberland, Northeast Tennessee, and Southeast Tennessee. Visit yaabtn.org/local-yaabs to find the board in your region and get contact information for your local coordinator.

I am a case manager. How do I refer a young person to YAAB?

The best referrals are warm ones — have a direct conversation with the young person, explain what YAAB is in plain language, and connect them by name to the regional coordinator. You can find regional contact information at yaabtn.org/local-yaabs. Following up after the initial referral significantly increases the chance they will follow through.