A Focus On Lived Experience: Matt Floyd
Working in homelessness prevention, it is vital to understand the perspectives of those who have been touched by housing instability. This month, Youth Action Board Member Matt Floyd shares his story.
My academic background includes a healthcare certification in EKG, and I previously worked for more than two years at a nonprofit horse rescue. That experience introduced me to both hands-on care and the operational side of supporting mission-driven organizations in our community.
While I have not personally experienced housing instability, several people close to me faced it during the height of the COVID pandemic, which caused a severe economic recession. Watching them struggle day to day left a heavy impact on me. I saw how difficult it was to live paycheck to paycheck and the reality of choosing between basic needs like gas or food. That experience opened my eyes to how quickly someone can face economic instability that can lead to homelessness.
“I saw how difficult it was to live paycheck to paycheck and the reality of choosing between basic needs like gas or food. That experience opened my eyes to how quickly someone can face economic instability that can lead to homelessness.”
I supported these folks by connecting them with workforce development programs that helped them secure more stable employment. Those same programs later played a role in my own path, helping me find my first healthcare-related position after struggling to find a job on my own.
Today, I work to address these challenges as a member of the Youth Action Board (YAB), where I contribute to the development of housing programs and youth-focused initiatives. In 2024, I joined other youth advocates in speaking directly with Nebraska’s governor to advocate for a bill that would continue SNAP funding. Through our collective efforts, the bill was passed. In 2025 I was connected to the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) through Project Everlast and had the opportunity to assist in funding decisions for housing and social services here in Omaha. I am committed to continuing this work and creating more opportunities for youth facing housing instability.