California State Senator Pat Bates (R-36th District) recently locked in over $433,000 in housing funds to assist Orange County and San Diego county’s young adults in foster care. The newly funded program seeks to prevent youth homelessness and improve key resources to those overcoming barriers when locating housing.

Sen. Bates pointed out that 20% of foster youth nationwide face homelessness when they become adults and have to leave foster care.

“In addition to experiencing a lack of permanent housing, foster youth are at a higher risk of being incarcerated, diagnosed with a mental health disorder, and receiving inadequate health care – making them one of California’s most vulnerable populations.” 

Sen. Bates worked with the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Housing Navigators Program (HNP) which ensures proper housing for foster youth. 

The HNP operates on a budget of approximately $5 million to be given out as grants across California on a county-by-county basis. The program supports eligible youth between the ages of 18 and 21 who apply through county child welfare service. 

Orange County’s Social Services Agency will receive $221,200 while San Diego County’s Child Welfare Services will receive $212,565 of the housing funds, which, according to Sen. Bates will “go a long way in ensuring adequate housing for foster youth.”

A long time fighter in California’s homelessness crisis, Sen. Bates recently earned the endorsement of the Orange County Register’s Editorial Board due to her “impressive resume,” and was deemed the “easiest call” to be elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, District Five. Sen. Bates emerged victorious in the June 7 primary election and she will now be on the ballot in November’s general election.