A Focus on Lived Experience: Izzy Vargas
Our work relies on understanding the perspectives of those who have previously experienced homelessness. This month, Board Member and Youth Advisory Board President Izzy Vargas shares her story.
I am a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha pursuing dual Bachelor’s degrees in Neuroscience, Sociology, and Medical Humanities (BS) and Psychology (BA). My commitment to housing justice is deeply rooted in my lived experience with homelessness and housing instability, which began in foster care and continued into early adulthood and throughout my college years.
During my sophomore year, I experienced severe housing insecurity and domestic violence. At times, I slept in my car and in campus laboratory spaces while navigating trauma and serious mental health challenges. With the support of campus and community partners, I was eventually able to secure stable housing and regain my independence. That experience fundamentally shaped me and now drives my commitment to ensuring that no student or young person is left without support or a safe place to live.
“I believe housing is more than shelter, it is safety, stability, and the foundation for opportunity.”
I currently serve as President of the Threshold CoC Youth Advisory Board (YAB), where I lead youth-driven systems change efforts and advocacy. Through my involvement, I work directly with service providers, policymakers, and HUD-funded programs to help design youth-centered housing solutions. I also hold a seat on the Threshold CoC Board, where I contribute to regional strategy, funding allocation, and policy development focused on preventing and ending youth homelessness. I joined the Threshold CoC Board to ensure that youth voices and lived experience are represented at every level of decision-making. I believe the perspectives of young people directly impacted by homelessness must be included when developing policies and funding priorities.
As part of this work, I have participated in reviewing HUD Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) grant proposals and played a key role in securing $2.8 million in federal funding for youth housing and supportive services through YAB advocacy.
In addition to my local leadership, I serve on the Nebraska Statewide Youth Advisory Board, where I contribute to statewide policy and legislative discussions related to youth homelessness. Across governance, grant review, and community engagement, I focus on elevating youth voices in decision-making spaces and ensuring that systems designed to serve young people are shaped by those with lived experience. I believe housing is more than shelter, it is safety, stability, and the foundation for opportunity. I bring my lived experience into every space I enter, using it to advocate for youth-centered solutions and lasting change across our Continuum of Care.