What is this bill about?
AB 525 (Ting) would improve housing affordability for more than 3,300 foster youth in Supervised Independent Living Placements (SILPs) and maximize federal funding for foster youth housing.
How does it align with yli’s values?
yli partners with thousands of youth across the state, the majority of whom are low-income youth of color and we know that safe and stable housing is fundamental to wellbeing and healthy development.
California is facing an affordability crisis, disproportionately impacting low-income Californians looking to secure housing. This is especially true for foster youth in extended foster care who participate in Supervised Independent Living Placements (SILP). Though foster youth in SILPs receive a monthly aid meant to cover living costs, the cost of housing has increased substantially since the SILP was established, and the basic rate provided to youth in these placements has not kept pace, leaving them vulnerable to housing instability.
According to the CalYOUTH Study, 40% of youth residing in SILPs reported their monthly budget was insufficient to cover rent and other household expenses. This places them at risk for homelessness: Nearly half of youth in foster care in California experienced an episode of homelessness between age 18 and 21. More than one-third experienced homelessness more than once, averaging weeks to months.
AB 525 would adjust the monthly basic rate paid to youth in SILPs to align with their local cost of housing, allowing them to stabilize their living, school, and work while in extended foster care.
What is yli doing about it?
We have just submitted a letter endorsing this bill, and we are showing our support on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Who else supports this bill?
- John Burton Advocates for Youth (Sponsor)
- Alliance for Boys & Men of Color