102. On the COVID-19 Front Line and Hurting: Addressing the Needs of Providers for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Berkeley and Alameda County

Abstract

COVID-19 poses an enormous threat to the physical health and wellbeing of youth experiencing homelessness (YEH), not only as an infection, but to a far greater extent, as a threat to their ability to meet their basic needs for shelter, food, and safety. From a life course perspective, however, the greatest risk to this group of adolescents and emerging adults is that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional obstacles in youth’s paths to becoming independent adults. More than ever, providers for YEH are the lifelines for their clients during the COVID-19 pandemic.