Governor Gavin Newsome | Twitter Website
California has announced a $56 million funding initiative to assist counties in providing housing and supportive services for young adults at risk of homelessness. Governor Gavin Newsom, along with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), revealed that these funds will support 52 counties in their efforts to prevent homelessness among youth transitioning out of foster care or probation systems.
Governor Newsom stated, "California will continue to support our local governments in their efforts to address homelessness. California has provided unprecedented resources to counties and local communities to help their residents in need. We will continue to work together to help them address these local issues and ensure those experiencing homelessness have the support and care they need."
The state estimates that there are currently 9,871 young adults between the ages of 21 and 24 who exited foster care at age 18 or older, with an additional 3,000 exiting each year. Studies indicate that individuals leaving foster care or probation face higher rates of homelessness, with unaccompanied youth up to age 24 comprising 10 percent of California's homeless population.
Tomiquia Moss, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Secretary, emphasized the importance of these grants: "These grants will provide vital services to our young adults as they transition out of foster care and probation system so that they are able to access housing and wrap-around supports."
The awards are part of the Transitional Age Youth programs managed by HCD, which include several initiatives such as the Transitional Housing Program (THP), Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program (HNMP), and Transitional Housing Plus Housing Supplement Program (THP-SUP).
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez commented on the necessity of these programs: "Many young adults exiting the foster care or probation systems face homelessness and need resources and guidance to thrive. These programs, and the important partnership with our counties, helps our vulnerable youth receive the tools and support they need to secure and maintain housing and succeed in the future."
Funding is allocated based on each county's percentage of young adults currently or formerly in foster care or probation systems. The THP received $33.3 million for 52 counties; HNMP was awarded $13.7 million for 51 counties; THP-SUP received $9 million for six counties.
Since its inception in 2020, these programs have supported housing assistance for over 14,048 young adults aged 18-24. Counties eligible for funding this round largely accepted their awards; however, some declined due to low caseloads or insufficient staffing.
The Point in Time Count showed a decrease in homelessness among this age group from 11,403 in 2020 to 8,569 by 2024.
Counties receiving funding include Alameda, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County among others.
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