Youth Against Homelessness (YAH)

Youth Against Homelessness (YAH) is a dynamic organization that creates an environment in which all members have an opportunity to make a positive change in their community. YAH was started by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance in an effort to get youth involved in solving one of the biggest issues facing our community. Our mission is to bring awareness to the community about family homelessness.

Our organization focuses on education, advocacy, and community service. Each YAH chapter creates their own unique agenda that integrates all three components. We advocate in the community about family homelessness and work diligently to dispel the homeless stereotype. We volunteer in shelters by hosting special events, painting murals, and facilitating craft projects for the children. YAH also coordinates clothing drives, fundraising events, and collaborates with many local community groups to make a bigger impact.

Through dedication and education, YAH hopes to stop the spread of homelessness in Worcester.

YAH is proudly sponsored by:

Youth Summit

Founded in 2011, the Visions of Change Youth Summit is an exciting half day conference full of high energy, inspiration, motivational speakers and is a unique opportunity for Worcester County's high school students to work collaboratively to address issues in the community. This interactive conference provides teens with tools to lead, increase advocacy skills, provide current information on community issues to become informed citizens, and empower them to become agents of change in their world.

The Visions of Change Youth Summit was created to support our future leaders and to help cultivate an atmosphere of engaged learning and positive change. Education is the foundation of the Visions of Change Youth Summit. We believe a solid education improves the overall health and wellness of our community. By attending the Summit we hope to increase students’ knowledge of current issues in the community and work collectively to explore real solutions they can initiate within their schools and neighborhoods.

Area high schools that have attended the Youth Summit include:

  • Doherty Memorial High School

  • Burncoat High School

  • South High Community School

  • North High School

  • Worcester Technical High School

  • Claremont Academy

  • University Park Campus School

  • Abby Kelley Foster High School

  • Holy Name Central Catholic Jr/Sr H.S

  • Notre Dame Academy

  • St. Mary's Jr/Sr High School

  • Wachusett Regional High School

  • St. Peter Marian Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School

  • Millbury High School

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi

Previous Speakers and Panelists

  • Mayor Joseph M. Petty

  • Representative Jim J. O'Day

  • Maurie Bergeron, Luk Inc.

  • Chris Collins, UNUM

  • Libby Hayes, Homes for Families

  • Cary Olson-Cartwright, UNUM

  • Valerie Paric, One Family Scholars Program

  • Kelly Turely, MA Collation for the Homeless

Previous Summit Keynote Speakers

  • Dr. Sampson Davis

  • Liz Murry, author of Breaking Night and subject of the Emmy-nominated original film Homeless to Harvard

  • Dr. Gail E. Carberry, President of Quinsigamond Community College

  • Josh Kraft President, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation

YAH Chapters

Youth Against Homelessness Chapters can be found in the following schools:

  • Abby Kelley Foster Charter High School

  • St. Mary’s Junior/Senior High School

  • St. Peter Marian High School

  • South High Community School

Contact YAH

Youth Against Homelessness
c/o The Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Inc.
6 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609