Foster Care to Homelessness Pipeline
Homelessness is undeniably a social crisis in our society. It’s a hot topic that strikes a chord for those on both sides of the political aisle. While some are demanding improved mental health services, others are insistent that encampments are torn down. We would like to introduce you to DSF Werks, a non-profit that views this crisis through a unique filter. They are working directly with underserved young people, particularly those previously in Foster Care and they are especially mindful of the homeless crisis in California. We would like to tell you why.
Statistics consistently and increasingly reveal that young people who age out of the Foster Care system make up a large part of the unhoused community. In California, over 30% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness. “Right now, we’re essentially emancipating young people directly into homelessness,” says California Senator Dave Cortese, an advocate for child welfare-related legislation and bills that assist Foster Youth.
We cannot deny that there are unhoused folks who are in dire need of assistance. However, when it comes to the prevention of homelessness, the work must begin earlier.
Currently, extended foster care allows foster youth to receive government resources until their 21st birthday. The percentage of young adults who take advantage of these resources and still experience homelessness is only 20% compared to 45% for former foster youth who leave the child welfare system on their 18th birthday.
It’s clear that extended services are paramount for keeping emancipated youth off the streets, but these young people require and deserve so much more. In addition to essential services, programs that provide job skills, mentorship, personal accountability, and a dedicated community are proven to give these kids ownership of their futures and set them up to be thriving members of society.
Life changing social resources have the potential to cut off the direct channel of underserved and emancipated young people into the rapidly increasing homeless community.
Our friends at DSF Werks have established a community that addresses these issues head on. They come alongside young people and give them valuable tools for success. They also have a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about sharing their time and expertise with those in need. As DSF Werks establishes a safe space for them to learn and grow in their field, watching these vulnerable young people transform the most authentic and confident versions of themselves.
Dedicated mentorship, professional job training, and a supportive community are the heartbeat of DSF Werks. This is what it takes to meet the needs of underserved and emancipated foster youth and keep them off the streets, cutting off the foster care to homelessness pipeline at the source. DSF Werks is just getting started and as a society, there’s no way to end the homelessness epidemic overnight… But we think this is a great place to start.
To learn more about DSF Werks head over to their website at www.dsfwerks.org
