Project 3,500: How Two State Programs Increased Housing Supports for Former Foster Youth in California

In 2021, JBAY embarked on Project 3,500 with the goal of expanding state resources for housing to reach at least 3,500 youth. California has made new investments in housing for youth leaving the foster care system, acknowledging the increased risk of homelessness and disproportionate impact of the state’s housing crisis on this population. As a result of these investments, California’s capacity to serve former foster youth through supportive transitional housing and federal housing vouchers has increased by 70% since 2021, reaching more than 3,700 youth at a moment in time.

This report discusses the state’s increase in housing capacity, related findings and recommendations. Information for the report was drawn from publicly available data, a statewide survey of county child welfare agencies, and interviews of county child welfare representatives and service providers.