San Francisco approves $130K grant for youth financial coaching via Rising Up campaign

A significant resolution was passed during the San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, aimed at tackling youth homelessness through financial empowerment. The Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector received a $130,000 grant from Larkin Street Youth Services to implement a program called Smart Money Coaching, which will provide one-on-one financial guidance to transitional age youth.

Amanda Fried from the Treasurer's Office presented the initiative, emphasizing its role in the Rising Up campaign, a public-private partnership launched by the Mayor in 2016 with the goal of reducing youth homelessness by 50% by 2023. The campaign focuses on housing young people and preventing others from falling into homelessness. Over the past two years, the initiative has successfully housed 246 young individuals, with 88% maintaining stable housing.

The Smart Money Coaching program is designed to help youth navigate financial challenges, particularly those stemming from systemic barriers in the financial system. The coaching is available to anyone living, working, or receiving services in San Francisco, regardless of citizenship status. This initiative aims to empower youth by providing them with the tools and knowledge to improve their financial situations.

The resolution received unanimous support from the committee, with Supervisor Safaei moving it forward for a full board recommendation. The anticipated outcomes of this program are not only to provide immediate financial assistance but also to address the broader issue of wealth inequality among vulnerable populations in the city.