As part of Promises2Kids’ commitment to help foster children overcome the difficulties of their past and grow into healthy, successful and independent adults, the organization is launching its ground-breaking Foster Futures Program. With financial support from the Lucky Duck Foundation, the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) and San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, this intensive homelessness prevention and diversion program will provide support for at least 50 of San Diegos highest risk former foster youth, according to a news release.
The Foster Futures Program will include a blend of direct cash support to program participants and programmatic support including intensive case management, financial literacy, career coaching, therapy and mentoring. Both financial and social service components are critical in ensuring the prevention of homelessness during and following the pilot program for 50 participants
The main focus of the pilot program is to increase housing stability for each participant over a 24-month period. This will be accomplished by an increase in the participant’s ability to earn higher wages, secure career-focused jobs, increase their financial literacy, access community resources, and develop a strong support system through mentoring.
National data reports that being in foster care as a child has been found to be a predictor of homelessness. In fact, former foster youth are one of the highest groups at risk, with approximately 30% of them becoming homeless within 24 months of leaving foster care at the age of 21, the news release stated.
“These youth deserve better, and by intervening with critical support, we can prevent them from becoming part of this statistic,” said Tonya Torosian, CEO of Promises2Kids, in the news release.
“Preventing youth homelessness is a leading priority of the Lucky Duck Foundation. Because half of the chronically homeless adult population first suffered from homelessness as a youth, we see this meaningful strategy to help foster youth attain self-sufficiency and reduce their high risk of homelessness,” said Drew Moser, CEO of the Lucky Duck Foundation, in the news release.
“RTFH has joined the Lucky Duck Foundation and Promises2Kids in this critical effort to address youth homelessness by ensuring youth have access to services, support, and programs they need to lead successful lives,” RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler said in the news release. “This program has been utilized successfully across the country and we are excited to support this strategy as a way to reverse the trend of youth homelessness.”
“Every San Diegan deserves to live without fear of losing their home. This is especially true of the foster youth in our communities, who face so many challenges,” said San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera in the news release. “Unfortunately, many young people who have aged out of foster care face an uncertain and unstable housing future. This program is a vital step in ensuring that former foster youth are provided the tools and support they need to thrive. By coming together as a community, we are not only preventing homelessness but also creating opportunities for these young people to build successful and fulfilling lives.”
The total budget for the initial 12 months of the program will be $1 million. Promises2Kids has committed $400,000 to the program and currently has additional financial commitments from The Lucky Duck Foundation and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness for a total of $400,000 and is currently seeking $200,000 from the City of San Diego and the community. The pilot will launch Nov. 4, and the public is invited to support this effort by donating at promises2kids.org.