Foster and Unhoused Youth Training & Resources
211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources in Contra Costa County. 211 has trained professionals who can help assist families with finding essential community services. These services include food & clothing banks, shelters, rent assistance, and utility assistance.
Hope Solutions seeks to combat the effects of poverty and homelessness by providing permanent housing solutions and vital support services to highly vulnerable families and individuals. Hope Solutions is working to heal the multi-generational impact of poverty, racism, trauma, substance abuse, mental health issues, and inadequate access to healthcare.
iFoster for Youth provides 100's of resources through partnerships with various companies, government agencies, and non-profits nationwide. iFoster for Youth includes evidence and trauma-informed programs that will help prepare foster youth for independence.
iFoster for Caregivers gives power to hundred of caregivers in every community throughout the country.
Rainbow Center offers LGBTQIA+ houseless youth with temporary hotel vouchers (18+), transportation, relocation financial aid, medication assistance, housing for those at risk of homelessness, and permanent supportive housing assistance.
Safe Place is a distinct community outreach project that relies upon community agencies including the YMCA, The Contra Costa Fire District, and the County Connection bus line. Safe Place increases a youth's access to help. Safe Place supports the needs of foster and runaway youth.
Shelter Inc. believes that housing is a human right, and by integrating case management, Shelter Inc. helps participants address the root causes of what led them to become homeless, or is putting them in jeopardy of losing their home. Services include eviction prevention, and multiple housing solutions including interim and long-term housing.
Non-traditional therapeutic opportunities meant to support the practical and emotional upheaval that can happen as part of a child's placement into foster care. These non-traditional therapeutic opportunities are meant to build youth while complementing the services that are part of all Youth Home programs. These programs include: youth engagement with creativity, nature, physical activity, and building pride in their accomplishments.
Foster Youth are subjected to many changes and upheavals, both before and during the process that leads to placement. The Family Pathways Program provides specialty mental health services that include Intensive Care Coordination (ICC). Intensive Home-Based Services (IHBS), and individual and family therapy for foster youth and their families.
As under-resourced and vulnerable Transition Age Youth (TAY) shift into independent living, they must deal with the unexpected realities of becoming an adult. Unhoused youth qualify for TAY services focus on providing clients with mental and behavioral health support. TAY-FSP focuses on individuals and young adults, aged 16-25, living with severe emotional challenges and life stressors.
The Contra Costa Office of Education Youth Services WIOA Program has subsidized employment opportunities for Unhoused and Foster Youth.