5-year plan

Youth homelessness remains a critical issue in California, but thanks to significant efforts and investments, the state is taking strong action. The California Coalition for Youth (CCY) has unveiled a comprehensive 5-year plan aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating youth homelessness by 2029. This plan is deeply rooted in the principles of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, ensuring that young people not only receive basic necessities like shelter and food but also the support needed to build life skills, secure stable housing, and thrive.

This plan seeks to bring together state resources, non-profit organizations, community leaders, and advocates to create sustainable solutions for youth aged 12-24 experiencing homelessness.

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The Impact of Investments (2018-2023)

Over the past five years, California has invested nearly $476 million to tackle youth homelessness. These funds have been directed toward innovative programs and services that provide immediate shelter, long-term housing, and wraparound support.

Key Programs Funded:

• Homeless Youth Innovation Program: Launched as a groundbreaking initiative to provide new approaches to preventing youth homelessness and helping at-risk youth.
• Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (HHAP): Focuses on providing grant funding to cities, counties, and continuums of care to address the needs of homeless youth.
• Youth-Specific Services Expansion: Investments in mental health services, job training, and family reunification have been critical to stabilizing vulnerable youth populations.

These investments are part of California’s broader strategy to prevent young people from entering long-term homelessness and to help them transition to stable and independent living situations.

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Research and Statistics

Research has shown that early intervention is essential in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Many adults experiencing chronic homelessness had their first episode between the ages of 16 and 24. Youth who experience homelessness are more likely to face long-term consequences, including poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues.

Notable Statistics:

• 1 in 10 youth aged 18-25 experienced homelessness within the past year in the U.S.
• 1 in 30 youth aged 13-17 experienced homelessness, often as a result of family conflict, economic hardship, or neglect.
• 50% of chronically homeless adults had their first homeless experience during their teenage years or early twenties.

This data underscores the need for targeted youth services and prevention strategies to stop homelessness before it becomes chronic.

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Five Key Goals for 2024-2029

1. Prevention and Early Intervention

• Objective: Ensure that all 58 counties in California have early intervention services and family support programs.
• How: Expand street outreach, drop-in centers, family mediation, and conflict resolution services.
• Outcome: Reduce the number of youth entering homelessness by providing timely support and intervention.

2. Diverse Housing Options

• Objective: Provide a variety of housing solutions to meet the diverse needs of homeless youth, including emergency housing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• How: Build partnerships between state agencies, local governments, and housing providers to ensure adequate bed space and housing services.
• Outcome: Offer every youth facing homelessness a safe, stable place to live, whether temporarily or permanently.

3. Health & Behavioral Services

• Objective: Make healthcare services easily accessible to all homeless youth.
• How: Ensure every eligible youth is enrolled in Medi-Cal and connected to behavioral health services. Provide mental health, substance abuse treatment, and trauma-informed care.
• Outcome: Improve physical and mental health outcomes for homeless youth, leading to better long-term stability.

4. Education and Employment Stability

• Objective: Empower homeless youth with the skills and opportunities needed to achieve educational and employment success.
• How: Provide access to financial literacy programs, job training, internships, scholarships, and career pathways.
• Outcome: Increase school attendance, high school graduation rates, and employment rates among homeless youth, setting them up for long-term independence.

5. Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)

• Objective: Eliminate the disproportionate impact of homelessness on marginalized groups, particularly youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth.
• How: Implement equity-driven policies and practices that prioritize the unique needs of these populations. Provide culturally competent services and safe spaces for marginalized youth.
• Outcome: Ensure that no youth is left behind due to systemic inequities, and that every young person has equal access to support and services.