SF foster youth caught in funding crossfire

Transitional housing programs for young adults exiting foster care are at risk due to recent funding cuts, raising concerns about increased homelessness. According to the National Foster Youth Institute, roughly one in four foster youth will experience homelessness within four years of aging out. SF CASA, which connects these youth with adult mentors, has seen federal and state funding reductions, hindering its ability to recruit and train volunteers. First Place for Youth, a nonprofit providing housing, now seeks private donations to navigate anticipated budget changes. The city's point-in-time count revealed that 34% of unhoused youth have a foster care history in 2024.

Yuki Huang, a former foster youth, highlighted the importance of housing assistance, stating it provides a stable foundation during the transition to adulthood. The Bay Area's housing affordability crisis compounds these challenges, as many youths are placed far from their support networks. Advocates emphasize that consistent funding is crucial to prevent higher risks of substance use and crime among homeless youth.