THE ISSUE
Over 5,000 youth transition out of foster care each year in California with the intention of becoming fully independent. Youth are burdened with the expectation of maintaining housing and a livable wage. Without the essential safety nets of support, youth struggle and become ensnared by chronic homelessness and periods of incarceration; others are able to secure a job and an apartment, but labor intensely to live above the poverty line.
OUR RESPONSE
In 2005, with the support from the Everychild Foundation, Hillsides created the innovative Youth Moving On transitional housing program (YMO). Each year our services have expanded to respond to the growing needs of the youth. Our staff provide transition-age youth (TAY, ages 16 – 25) with a continuum of support services to empower them to find lasting independence and a lifetime of personal fulfillment. Our health and wellness, workforce development, life skills and financial literacy programs are grounded in the belief each youth has the right to self-determination and the ability to achieve their goals. Through our Peer Resource Center (PRC), transitional housing, and affordable, permanent, supportive housing programs, youth are strengthened through internships, subsidized education/scholarships, and linkage to other support service providers.
