Street Outreach Program (SOP)

The Street Outreach Program (SOP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Administration for Children and Families, specifically the Administration on Children, Youth and Families and its Family and Youth Services Bureau. This federal initiative is part of a broader national effort to address the needs of vulnerable youth populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness or instability. The program aligns with federal priorities related to income security and social services, with a focus on prevention and intervention strategies that reduce exploitation and improve long-term outcomes for at-risk youth. The primary purpose of the Street Outreach Program is to provide direct, street-based services to runaway, homeless, and street youth who are either victims of or at risk for sexual abuse, prostitution, sexual exploitation, and severe forms of human trafficking. The program emphasizes proactive engagement in environments where youth congregate, enabling service providers to establish trust and deliver immediate support. These services are designed to encourage youth to make safer, healthier decisions and to transition away from harmful situations. Funding under this opportunity supports a range of allowable activities that directly benefit the target population. These include outreach efforts, provision of basic necessities such as food and hygiene supplies, distribution of information about available services, and connection to shelter or stable housing options. The program is structured to ensure that funded organizations can meet youth where they are, both physically and emotionally, and guide them toward stability and safety. While specific restrictions are not detailed in the forecast, funding is intended to be used strictly for programmatic activities aligned with these objectives. Eligibility for this program is broad but clearly defined. Public and nonprofit entities are eligible, including institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and housing authorities. Faith-based and community organizations are also eligible provided they meet the stated requirements. However, for-profit organizations, individuals, federal entities, and foreign organizations are explicitly excluded. Additionally, applicants affiliated with the juvenile justice system are not eligible. Private institutions of higher education must operate as nonprofit entities to qualify. The application process is expected to follow standard federal grant submission procedures, requiring electronic submission through designated federal systems by the stated deadline. While specific application components are not detailed in the forecast, applicants should anticipate requirements typical of federal funding opportunities, such as program narratives, budgets, and supporting documentation. The estimated application due date is August 3, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated timeline indicates that the opportunity will be posted on July 7, 2026, with awards expected by September 15, 2026, and project activities beginning around September 30, 2026. Approximately 20 awards are expected, with individual award amounts ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 dollars, and total program funding estimated at 4 million dollars. A cost-sharing or matching requirement is indicated, though the specific amount or structure is not provided in the forecast. For additional information, applicants may contact Amanda Persad at the Administration for Children and Families via email or phone. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare in advance for the formal release, which may include more detailed guidance, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements. This program is part of an ongoing federal commitment to protecting vulnerable youth and reducing exploitation through targeted, community-based interventions.