Small Actions, Big Change: How Young People Are Fighting for Housing Justice in Lansing

Youth housing instability is a challenge that affects too many young people in Lansing and across Michigan. It can impact everything from school and work to mental health and safety. But change is happening--and young people are helping to drive it forward.

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What's Happening in Lansing

Lansing has several programs and initiatives aimed at addressing youth homelessness and housing instability:

• Jackson House Youth Shelter: A shelter, located at 407 W. Greenlawn, provides emergency and transitional housing for youth aged 12-24. Learn more here.

  
  

• ModPod Community: Lansing plans to develop a community of 50 modular housing units, known as ModPods, to provide transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Read more here.

  
  

• Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP): CHAP focuses on developing strong, diverse neighborhoods with an emphasis on affordable housing, homeownership, and financial security in the Greater Lansing area. Explore their programs here.

  
  

• Refugee Development Center (RDC): RDC's Housing Navigator Program assists refugees and newcomers with housing support, homeownership planning, financial literacy, landlord/tenant support, and more. Discover their services here.

  
  

These efforts show that communites can take action--but they work best when youth voices are included in planning and advocacy. This is where YAC comes in: by raising awareness, sharing resources, hosting workshops, and involving youth directly in planning and feedback sessions, we can help drive these initiatives forward.

What the Youth Can Do

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Even if you're currently facing housing instability, there are steps you can take to protect your wellbeing and access support:

1. Reach out for help: Connect with shelters, housing navigators, or local support networks

2. Know your rights: Understand tenant laws and protections, especially if you are renting or in transitional housing..

3. Get involved: Attend community meetings, provide feedback, and share your story--your perspective is powerful

4. Prioritize your mental health: Housing instability is stressful; small self-care steps can help you manage while you navigate bigger challenges

Every Action Makes a Difference

The work to end youth homelessness isn't just for policy makers or nonprofits--it's for everyone. Whether it's volunteering, speaking up, or simply sharing resources, small actions add up to real change. By participating in organizations and engaging with community initiatives, young people in Lansing are helping create safer, more stable opportunities for themselves and others.

If you want to get involved, Check out YAC, follow us on social media for resources, or connect with local shelters and housing programs. Every step you take helps build a stronger, more supportive community for youth.