Panel endorses two-year extension and $17M boost for youth rapid rehousing program

The Homelessness and Behavioral Health Select Committee voted Sept. 8 to forward to the full Board a resolution extending and increasing HSH’s grant with Brilliant Corners to continue a youth rapid rehousing program.

The first amendment would extend the contract through June 30, 2026, and increase the not-to-exceed amount by about $17 million, bringing the total to roughly $27 million. Deputy Director Emily Cohen described the program as part of the Rising Up initiative: each participating youth is allocated up to $27,000 in subsidy across up to three years to support housing stabilization, housing-location assistance and landlord liaison services. Cohen said Brilliant Corners serves about 175 young adults under this contract and reported favorable retention—97 percent at one year and about 72 percent at two years.

Budget and Legislative Analyst Nick Menard said the amendment raises the contract ceiling to about $27.3 million and noted the program budget is funded in part by Proposition C (Homeless Gross Receipts Tax revenues). He flagged a program-design dynamic: subsidies are capped at $27,000 per youth, which can contribute to reduced assistance in later years and explain some drop-off in longer-term retention; nonetheless the BLA recommended approval.

Supervisors questioned program goals and tracking for unknown exits; Cohen said exit surveys and follow-up inform outcomes, and the program can extend subsidies when case managers determine continued support is necessary. Vice Chair Rafael Mandelmann moved to forward the item with a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded two ayes and the motion passed. The item will appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda on Sept. 12.