California Takes Steps to Help Homeless LGBT Youth in San Diego and Sacramento
California lawmakers are actively seeking new solutions to address the challenges faced by homeless LGBT youth, with a special focus on the cities of San Diego and Sacramento. A bill, Assembly Bill 589, is awaiting the governor’s signature and aims to provide funding and more housing opportunities for these vulnerable individuals.
The bill, authored by Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner, aims to assist young people between the ages of 18 and 24 within the LGBT community in transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing or reuniting with their families. It proposes creating a pilot program that would identify, screen, and train LGBTQ+ affirming households to temporarily host homeless youth.
Assemblywoman Boerner emphasized the importance of stable and affirming housing for all youth, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+. If the bill becomes law, the state’s housing department will establish a three-year pilot program administered by LGBT-centered community organizations. These organizations will then use allocated funds to place homeless LGBT youth with volunteer host families who have been trained in crisis prevention using a trauma-informed approach.
The proposed program takes inspiration from Unicorn Homes, a similar initiative in northern San Diego County. Unicorn Homes provides a range of resources, including mental health support, life coaching, independent living skills, job readiness training, and housing opportunities.
Since 2018, homeless services organizations receiving state funds in California have operated under a housing first approach. This approach prioritizes finding housing for individuals over treatment or therapy. The pilot program outlined in Assembly Bill 589 will follow this model, accepting applicants regardless of drug use, treatment completion, or participation in services. Instead, the program will adopt a harm reduction model, providing education on safe drug and alcohol consumption practices.
According to an Assembly bill analysis, there were an estimated 9,000 homeless youth in California in 2022. Additionally, the state currently has around 60,000 children and youth in the foster care system, with approximately 3,500 aging out each year, potentially leading to homelessness.
Max Disposti, founder and executive director of the North County LGBT Resource Center, expressed the critical importance of programs like AB 589 in preventing chronic homelessness. He highlighted that Unicorn Homes recruits families willing to offer a room at no cost to provide a safe and supportive environment for homeless youth.
AB 589 has received widespread support, including from the cities of Oceanside and San Diego, the San Diego LGBT Community Center, the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and various other organizations working towards ending homelessness.
California’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by homeless LGBT youth exemplifies a step forward in providing much-needed support and resources. With Assembly Bill 589, the state aims to create a pilot program that not only offers temporary housing but also empowers these young individuals to transition towards stability and long-term well-being.
