For the past two years, Funders Together to End Homelessness (FTEH) ran a Community of Practice focused on funders’ roles in ending youth and young adult homelessness. This community, Foundations for Youth Success (FYS), brought together philanthropic leaders -- large, national funders as well as those working at the community level -- to identifying best practices and implement effective solutions for our young people. Throughout this two-year initiative, members participated in regular virtual meetings and came together in person twice a year.

CEO, Amanda Andere, met with funders for a networking happy hour during this year's FPN Statewide Summit on Philanthropy.  It was a wonderful event, where Funders Together Florida members and other funders working on housing, homelessness, and related issues including health and education shared ideas on homelessness.    

After months of speculating who will be the next President of the United States, November 8th finally revealed the answer. We are now in the "post-election" phase and focusing on the important work of the Administration transition and ensuring homelessness efforts remain a priority. 

Prior to the Heartland Alliance A Nation That Works Conference on October 25^th, we invited funders to join Funders Together and Heartland Alliance staff to discuss the importance of employment and economic security in ending homelessness.

In the fall of 2016, Funders Together brought together funders from across New England to network, learn, and discuss family homelessness and the important role that economic security plays in our efforts to prevent and end homelessness in our communities. This was an exclusive opportunity for funders to connect with one another and share their lessons, challenges, and successes with peers from the region.

September 12-14, Foundations for Youth Success (FYS) members gathered in Seattle for the final in-person convening. Seattle has been leading the country with their work to end youth homelessness. They also happen to be home to FYS colleagues from the Raikes Foundation, Campion Foundation, Building Changes, and the Paul G. Allen Foundation.

During our visit we had the opportunity to hear from some great regional and statewide leaders as well as rockstar service providers. 

On Monday, July 25th, 2016, Funders Together to End Homelessness hosted its 4th annual Funders Institute. This event brought together funders from across the country working in their communities and nationally to prevent and end homelessness. 2016's Institute focused on what’s next for philanthropy in the field and moving from conversation to action.

From April 7th to 8th, 2016, Foundations for Youth Success members gathered in Minneapolis to learn about the inspiring work happening in the state to end youth homelessness. The convening included a presentation on Heading Home: Minnesota's Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, a site visit to YouthLink, and peer exchanges with colleagues and Minnesota funders. 

Picture of YouthLink welcome center wall.

In a meeting hosted by Funders Together Los Angeles,  Funders Together to End Homelessness and special guests were joined by members of regional funders networks and others, to learn about what is happening with criminal justice reform and homelessness/housing in Los Angeles. Attendees had a great opportunity to network with members, hear from expert panelists, and gain valuable insight about the vital work our members have been doing to prevent and end homelessness. 

In 2016, in conjunction with the National Conference on Ending Family and Youth Homelessness, Funders Together hosted a convening for United Ways working to end homelessness in their community. This event provided an opportunity for United Ways to come together and learn from one another. This event also served as an opportunity to discuss a possible ongoing Funders Together United Way working group.