Sacramento –Yesterday, Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D- San Bernardino) introduced Assembly Bill 307 which would establish the Youth Experiencing Homelessness Grant Program to provide grants to non-profits or continuum of care administrative entities to provide services for youth experiencing homelessness.
“Those experiencing homelessness face diverse challenges and obstacles that are not one size fits all. We must have specific solutions to address specific needs, and the earlier we can assist our youth with housing and treatment programs the quicker those youth can achieve their dreams.” Assemblymember Reyes continued, “I agree that homelessness is one of the biggest threats to California’s future success. As the fifth largest economy, we must be concerned about those left behind and who find themselves sleeping on the streets without stability.”
In 2018, over 14,688 youth experienced homelessness in California according to the U.S. HUD Point-In-Time counts. Currently, there are only 490 beds statewide, with most located in large, urban cities.
AB 307 provides for grants that will:
- Provide rental assistance; non-time-limited supportive housing; transitional housing; rapid re-housing; host homes; and shelters for homeless minors and youth.
- Provide drug abuse prevention; mental and physical health care; transitional living services; education and employment assistance; and family support.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity to various groups, including youth who are LGBTQ, and have disproportionately high rates of homelessness.
- Prioritize funding for agencies that work with their local continuum of care organizations and otherwise coordinate with local and state youth-serving organizations.
AB 307 is sponsored by a broad coalition including, California Coalition for Youth, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Equality California, Housing California, John Burton Advocates for Youth, Tipping Point Community
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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