Board approves roughly $17.5 million in state funds to expand housing supports for youth aging out of foster care
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Summary
Supervisors approved accepting unspent transitional housing allocations from other counties, adding about $17.5 million to the county’s THP-Plus and housing navigation programs to preserve beds and housing navigators for transitional-age youth.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 14 authorized the county to accept more than $17.5 million in state transitional housing funds to support youth ages 18–24 aging out of foster care.
Why it matters: Supervisors said the funding will preserve and expand transitional housing beds and housing navigation services that connect transition-age youth to permanent housing, case management, mental-health and substance-use treatment.
Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced the motion to accept unutilized allocations from other counties and move the funds into Los Angeles County programs serving youth formerly in foster care. "Approval of the motion will enable the county to bring over $17,500,000 to support critical services," she said.
Jeanne Ferrer, DCFS chief deputy, described how the funding will be used. "The department currently has an MOU with the Department of Health Services for the program. There are 14 providers, that serve 18 to 24 adults with intensive case management services. The funding will ensure the continuity of the program, especially in this climate of uncertainty," Ferrer said. She told the board the department currently has 203 THP-plus beds through eight providers and that housing navigation funding supports case managers who check in with young adults quarterly over 24 months and help identify long-term housing.
Supporters from nonprofit youth providers called into the record and urged approval. Speakers described THP-Plus services as a critical bridge to stable housing and employment and noted the program’s low vacancy rate.
Action taken: The board approved the motion (vote recorded 5-0) to accept the funds, continue existing contracts and preserve housing navigator services and beds. The motion directs the Department of Children and Family Services to use the funding to maintain provider capacity, support housing navigators and consider rate adjustments to reflect rising costs in the provider environment.
