What is Youth 4444 Change?
What is Youth 4444 Change?
Shaping Solutions Together”
Youth 4444 Change is a Youth Action Board (YAB) led by young adults ages 16–24 with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability. Our motto is: “Nothing about us without us.”
A Youth Action Board is a group of young people who use their lived expertise to guide decisions about housing and homelessness services in their community. YABs ensure youth are not just consulted, but are leaders with real power in shaping solutions, influencing policy, and creating change.
Youth 4444 Change serves across Jackson County, Missouri; Wyandotte County, Kansas; and Johnson County, Kansas. We make sure young people’s voices shape the policies and programs designed for them.
YHDP and Housing Programs
Since the Greater Kansas City region received Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) funding in 2023, Youth 4444 Change has helped design youth-led, youth-informed housing and service programs, including:
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Supportive Services Only (SSO): Offers guidance and support for young people whether or not they are in housing. Youth can connect with case managers, access life skills programming, education and employment help, and health care resources — giving them the tools and encouragement to build a stable future.
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Rapid Re-Housing (RRH): Provides rental assistance and supportive services for up to 36 months. RRH helps young people secure their own apartments while offering support to build skills, confidence, and independence in a stable home environment.
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Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): Long-term housing for youth with disabilities who face significant barriers to stability. PSH combines ongoing rental support with services that help residents thrive, offering a reliable, secure home while they work toward personal goals.
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Transitional Housing (TH): Provides housing for up to 36 months paired with supportive services. TH gives youth a safe place to stay while learning skills, building resources, and gaining confidence needed to move into independent living successfully.
At our core, we believe youth must be at the table when decisions are made. We work to ensure that every young person has a safe place to call home and a community that listens to them.
Our Journey
Fall 2016 – The Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness (MO-604 CoC) announced plans to apply for a HUD YHDP grant and asked youth homelessness agencies to volunteer to create a KC youth advisory board. Four agencies responded: reStart, Inc.; Synergy Services; State Street Project; and Truman Hospital’s Futures Program. Each agency brought 2–5 youth to initial planning meetings. Truman Hospital’s Futures Program stepped back from leading a second board but their youth leaders continued to participate.
Spring 2017 – Youth and staff began monthly meetings. reStart hosted the meetings and provided meals, while reStart and Synergy Services offered gift card stipends and transportation for youth. The group chose the name Youth 4 Change KC (Y4CKC), wrote a mission statement, created a logo, and set a monthly evening meeting schedule.
Summer 2017 – Members spoke to legislators at reStart’s Legislative Luncheon and held a car wash fundraiser.
Fall 2017 – Organized Couches Don’t Count awareness events, led a poster session at the National Runaway & Homeless Youth Conference, hosted tours for conference attendees, and helped plan the 2018 youth PIT count.
2018 – Held fundraisers, volunteered at Pride Fest, provided input on YHDP applications, started recruiting new members, and participated in advocacy days and CoC meetings.
2019 – Expanded outreach with a podcast project and a 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser, attended the National Symposium on Youth Homelessness, and joined the Johnson County Continuum of Care.
2020–2021 – Created leadership roles and held elections. Activities paused for several months due to COVID-19. In 2021, Synergy Services took over hosting meetings, providing meals, transportation, and stipends.
2022 – Continued community awareness events like Couches Don’t Count and supported the youth PIT count in MO-604. Volunteered at Sideline the Stigma event.
2023 – Greater Kansas City received HUD YHDP funding. Youth 4444 Change members contributed to local and statewide youth planning, participated in planning video recordings, and updated leadership roles. Members presented at KS-505 CoC meetings and joined statewide youth advisory discussions.
2024 – Members participated in advocacy days in Jefferson City and Topeka, attended the Kansas Housing and Homelessness Summit, National Network for Youth conference, volunteered at Project Homeless Connect, and helped staff youth tents at Pride Fest.
Why We Fight: The Story Behind Youth 4444 Change
🎤 Mission 🎤
Youth 4444 Change is dedicated to raising awareness, connecting youth to essential resources, and advocating for policy changes that uplift those who have experienced or are currently facing homelessness. We believe in the stories, strength, and potential of every young person, knowing that their unique journeys empower them to overcome challenges and create meaningful change. By creating opportunities for growth, leadership, and empowerment, we inspire youth to flourish with confidence, optimism, and unwavering determination. Through collaboration and community support, we are building a future where every youth has the opportunity to achieve lasting success, stability, and personal growth, while leaving a legacy of positive change that empowers future generations to rise, thrive, and make a lasting difference in the world.
🔥What Drives Us🔥
Youth 4444 Change is a powerful youth-led movement based in Jackson and Wyandotte Counties (MO-604) and Johnson County. Our members, ages 16–24, are young leaders who have lived through homelessness and are stepping up to shape better systems and stronger communities. We use our voices and our stories to drive change where it matters most.
Formed in 2016 and reborn in 2024, we stand on four core foundations:
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Stability: Everyone deserves a solid foundation.
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Safety: Every space should feel like a safe one.
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Support: We are stronger together.
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Self-determination: Your story. Your future.
We don’t just talk change—we build it. From helping design real housing solutions through YHDP to speaking at events and shaping local and national policies, we are turning lived experience into lasting impact.
Meet Our Team
The Faces of Change
Lola Love
The President
Visionary• Leader• Voice of the Movement
My name is Lola Love, and I am the President of Youth 4444 Change. I believe in unlearning, learning, growing, and evolving—because transformation is the heart of true change. My dream is that every youth has the opportunity to break the cycle, move beyond mere survival, and learn how to truly live, so that one day they can thrive. I am passionate about uplifting the unseen and unheard voices, making sure every story matters and every young person is empowered to shine.
Outside of my work, I’m a nature lover and a homebody—my home is my sanctuary. I love to bake and embrace all the cozy vibes of being a fall woman.
913-229-4576
Dior Richardson
Vice President
Harmonizer • Leader • Force for Unity
Hi, I’m Dior Richardson, and I serve as the Vice President of Youth 4444 Change. I’m passionate about uplifting others and being a steady foundation for the work we do together.
My outgoing personality and people skills make it easy for me to connect with others, and I enjoy bringing positive energy to every space I’m part of.
(816)-663-1454
Nico Di'Angelo
Social Media Manager
Creative • Storyteller • Digital Force
My name is Nico, and I’m the Social Media Manager for Youth for Change. I’m all about using social media to spread hope and make a real impact—whether that’s sharing inspiring success stories, helping young people find the resources they need, or just brightening someone’s feed with a daily affirmation. In a world where social media can often make or break your day, I want our platform to be a space where hope, help, and community always come first.
Outside of my work, I’m passionate about art and design—I love finding creative ways to make my work stand out and feel meaningful. My favorite color is sky blue because it’s calming and reminds me of Cinnamoroll (my absolute favorite Sanrio character). I’m also a big fan of opalite crystals. A little extra good energy never hurts when you’re trying to build something positive—especially when it comes to strengthening intuition, encouraging emotional healing, and promoting better communication.
Starlight Galaxy
Scribe
Writer • Advocate • Heart of the Stories
Hi, I'm Starlight Galaxy, and I serve as the scribe for Youth 4444 Change. I’m passionate about documenting the voices, visions, and victories of youth who are changing the world—starting with their own communities.
My favorite color is pink, and rose quartz is the crystal I carry with me—it reminds me to lead with love and compassion.
My vision is simple but powerful: to help as many homeless youth as possible find safety, shelter, and support.
816-368-4248
Built by Us:
Youth Businesses & Brands
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Our Stories, Our Lives, Our Power
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🚀 Ride the Wave: Be the Change🚀
Join the Movement
We're currently inviting passionate young people in Jackson County, Missouri or Wyandotte County, Kansas to join Youth 4444 Change. If you're between the ages of 16–24 and have lived experience with homelessness or housing instability, this is your chance to connect with others, share your voice, and help create real change.
👉 We currently have 4 spots open for new youth members!
As a member, you'll receive a $25 Visa card per meeting, transportation support, and meals—along with a supportive space to grow, be heard, and take action.
Ready to join us? Click the button below to apply.
🌟Supporting the Vision & How to Join🌟
At Youth 4444 Change, we believe in youth-led advocacy that centers lived experience, dignity, and collective power. Our charter reflects our commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth ages 16–24 who have experienced homelessness or housing instability.
We welcome diverse voices, fresh ideas, and honest conversations about what real change looks like.
Monthly Meeting Schedule
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Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month from 5:00–7:00 PM (CST).
Please note: If a holiday falls on the first Wednesday, the meeting may be rescheduled
Join as a Guest 🧡
We welcome guests to attend virtually! If you're interested in joining as a guest, please email youth4444change@gmail.com for the Zoom link
and details.
In-Person Meetings
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In-person meetings are reserved for paid youth members only due to limited space and resources.
Get Involved
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If you’re ready to take part in this movement, connect with us to learn how you can show up, support, and spark change.
Rights, Resources & Support
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Youth in Action:
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Our Partners in Change
Thank You!
Without the support of our incredible partners,
Youth 4444 Change would not exist. Your commitment fuels our mission and uplifts youth voices every day.
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Why Your Support Matters
At Youth 4444 Change, we’re driven by the voices and visions of youth experiencing homelessness. Your support helps provide transportation, food, meeting spaces, and vital advocacy opportunities. Every dollar fuels a young person’s path toward stability and empowerment.
Echoes of Change
Voices of youth and partners making change.
"Youth 4444 Change gave me a voice at a time when I truly believed I didn’t have one. It helped me understand that my story—surviving trauma, homelessness, and injustice—could be a catalyst for change. It pushed me to speak up, show up, and stay involved in the decisions shaping our community."
— Paris Mendoza
As an employee of Synergy Services, I've had the ability to watch the Youth 4444 Change group come together, evolve, grow, learn lessons, and achieve success since 2010. I am proud that the KC youth partnering organizations continue to make space and contribute resources to this effort. However, the real heartbeat of the group is the youth themselves. The passion, knowledge, and life of this group is something that can only occur organically. This group is incredibly valuable to our community and to me as an adult working in the youth field. Their commitment to building off their impact from year to year in order the make a better community for all youth is inspiring.
-Allison Hilton