Thursday, Oct 05, 2023
  • Young people between the age of 18 and 24 who are aging out of foster care (Former Foster Youth) are at higher risk of homelessness than other young people. In California, almost 31% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness.  In the Bay Area, almost 75% of unhoused young people were formerly in the foster care or juvenile justice system.  A collaboration between San Mateo County’s Department of Housing (DOH) and the Children and Family Services Division of the Human Services Agency (HSA) is hoping to reverse these trends with awards of Measure K funding to affordable housing developments that commit to include some apartments for Former Foster Youth. MidPen Housing received these targeted funds to create 12 affordable apartments for Former Foster Youth at its 147-unit Midway Village Phase 1 affordable housing development in Daly City. Eden Housing and EPA CANDO received funds to include apartments for Former Foster Youth as part of the 185-unit Light Tree Apartments in East Palo Alto.  After several years in the making, the two affordable housing communities are opening their doors to residents, including Former Foster Youth who will receive case management and other support to help with a successful transition to independent living.