The state is sending another $56 million to help counties in Southern California and statewide provide services for young adults at risk of homelessness, officials announced Friday.
The funding to 52 of the state’s 58 counties is from the Transitional Age Youth Program, or TAY to assist Californians 18 to 24 years old secure and maintain housing with priority given to those transitioning out of the foster care or probation systems.
Los Angeles County will receive nearly $15.5 million; Orange County, just over $2 million; Riverside County, more than $2.3 million; San Bernardino County, over $2.8 million; and San Diego County, just under $3 million, according to the state Housing and Community Development Department.
“California will continue to support our local governments in their efforts to address homelessness,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “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.”
Currently an estimated 9,871 young adults statewide between ages 21 and 24 exited foster care at age 18 or older, and another 3,000 young Californians leave foster care each year, officials reported. Studies have shown that those exiting the foster care or probation system face disproportionately higher rates of homelessness. Unaccompanied youth up to age 24 comprise 10% of the state’s homeless population. Researchers and advocates also cite lack of stable housing as a significant barrier to continuing education for current and former foster youth.
Last year, California reduced the number of youth experiencing homelessness, and saw a smaller increase in unsheltered homelessness than 44 other states, officials, noting that TAY has helped 14,048 young adults since 2020.
Homelessness statewide among the TAY age group dropped from 11,403 individuals in 2020 to 9,908 in 2022, and again to 8,569 by 2024, officials reported.
“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,” Tomiquia Moss, state business, consumer services and housing secretary, said in a statement. “In partnership with counties, these state resources will create pathways to stable housing and independent lives.”
The $56 million TAY total is divided among thee subprograms.
The Transitional Housing Program helps county child welfare agencies identify and assist with housing resources and improve service coordination. It accounts for $33.3 million of total TAY awards to 52 counties.
The $13.7 million Housing Navigation and Maintenance Program gives counties funds to train social workers who staff child welfare agencies and probation officers who work with young adults as housing navigators with a broad understanding of available housing resources. Fifty-one counties receive a share of this funding
The Transitional Housing Plus Housing Supplement Program allocates grants to assist young adults who have left foster care after their 18th birthday in counties with the highest apartment rents. Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties were among recipients for these grants.
Grant amounts are based on need demonstrated by each county’s percentage of the state’s young adults currently or formerly in the foster care or probation systems, officials said.
“Many young adults exiting the foster care or probation systems face homelessness and need resources and guidance to thrive,” Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez said in a statement. “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.”
The TAY Program webpage has additional information on HCD’s services and grants.
