Housing Support
What is Housing Support?
Housing Support means actively assisting individuals in their journey to secure suitable and stable shelter tailored to their specific needs. At California Impact Coalition, we advocate for and guide young people through the often complex process of finding housing, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to achieve their goals.
Why is Housing Support Important?
Securing stable housing can be challenging, especially for those transitioning from foster care or facing economic hardships. By providing advocacy, guidance, and support, we help ease the burden of finding and maintaining shelter. We connect individuals to resources that meet their unique circumstances, creating pathways to stability and independence.
The journey to stable housing varies for each person based on their experiences, needs, and capacities. Regardless of the situation, these key principles are critical to success:
- Persistence: Never give up. Don’t accept the first “no” as the final answer.
- Advocacy: Speak up. Protect young people from mistreatment or neglect, and push when necessary to ensure they get the support they need.
- Resourcefulness: The more options, the better. Build a list of resources and supporters to explore every possible opportunity.
- Creative Problem-Solving: If denied, find alternative routes to achieve housing. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Networking: Build strong relationships with housing providers and resource organizations.
- Utilize Technology: Research solutions online and use available tools to find answers and opportunities.
How to Support Youth with Housing Needs For Foster Youth:
- Work with the Social Worker: The youth’s social worker is a key partner in navigating housing resources and plans.
- Contact Independent Living Programs (ILP): Check if the youth is already registered with ILP and access resources available to them.
- Apply for AB12 Housing: Submit an NSC application to explore all AB12 housing options.
- Schedule Screening: Arrange for the youth to undergo housing eligibility assessments.
For Low-Income Families:
To qualify, the family must meet the following criteria:
- At least one guardian and one minor child.
- Apply for welfare (cash aid and food stamps) and declare homelessness.
- Have children under 18 years old.
- Cannot be receiving unemployment, SSI, or other government assistance.
- Families with employment may still qualify, depending on income-to-family size ratios (available during the welfare application process).
Steps to Support Low-Income Families:
- Advocate for Welfare Benefits: Work with the family’s caseworker at the Welfare Office (HSA) to enter the Stabilized Housing for Families program.
- Request Immediate Assistance: Ask for a 16-day hotel voucher if the family has no immediate shelter.
- Research and Outreach:
- Identify housing options that accept vouchers.
- Schedule tours of available properties.
- Fundraising for Essentials:
- Contact local charities (e.g., churches, Salvation Army) for donations.
- Approach larger organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities) for vouchers or funding.
- Move-In Support:
- Provide a hygiene bag with basic necessities.
- Assist with transportation if required.