City seeks state funds for housing supports for foster youth; committee approves application authority

The Human Services Agency asked the committee to authorize applications to two California Department of Housing and Community Development allocations aimed at young adults involved in the child‑welfare system.

Susie Smith, deputy director of policy and planning at HSA, asked for authority to apply for and accept up to approximately $459,200 for the Transitional Housing Program and up to about $147,020 for the Housing Navigator program; both amounts were amended in committee to allow the city to accept larger allocations if other counties underspend, raising the transitional housing authorization to $573,950 and the navigator authorization to $183,775.

HSA described program uses including housing search and application assistance, move‑in costs, direct subsidies and housing stabilization services. The funds would target current and former foster youth ages 18–25 (transitional housing) and 18–21 (navigator services). HSA said funds can be expended through at least the end of fiscal year 2023.

The committee accepted the state‑requested amendments (the city attorney said the changes were non‑substantive) and forwarded both items to the full board with a positive recommendation (3 ayes).

What’s next: HSA will submit the applications and, if awarded, administer allocations in coordination with HSH and partner agencies.