Governor Jerry Brown Signs SB 918, Homeless Youth Act of 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - September 27, 2018 - Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 918, the Homeless Youth Act of 2018, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) and co-sponsored by Equality California, on Thursday. Following an historic $25 million investment in combating youth homelessness included in California's 2018 Budget, SB 918 provides resources for housing, services and supports for youth experiencing homelessness and tasks the state's Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council with overseeing the program.

"SB 918 is a critical step toward providing California youth experiencing homelessness - including the four in 10 who identify as LGBTQ - with the resources, opportunities and housing that they need and deserve," said Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur. "We're deeply grateful to Governor Brown for signing this groundbreaking bill and to Senator Wiener and Assemblymember Rubio for their inspiring leadership."

Youth often face homelessness as a result of family conflict or breakdown - often as a result of abuse or neglect, pregnancy, a family member's drug or alcohol addiction or family rejection over sexual orientation or gender identity. Because LGBTQ youth in particular are overrepresented in California's foster care and juvenile justice systems, they are also at higher risk of becoming homeless when they transition out of these systems but do not have the support and opportunities for housing and employment that they need.  

"It's unacceptable that so many youth are living on our streets," said Senator Wiener. "We have a moral responsibility to help these kids get into housing, get stable, and get onto a positive path in life. Yet, two-thirds of our counties don't even have youth-specific homeless programs, and the state itself isn't doing enough. SB 918 is a first step toward ensuring California doesn't let these kids fall through the cracks. I am proud that we have started this important conversation, which also led to a significant increase in funding for homeless youth in this year's budget. We have work left to do, but this helps to focus and expand our efforts."

"Statistics show that there are over 15,000 homeless youth under the age of 25 living in California today - and that is 15,000 too many," said Assemblymember Rubio. "When we look at the root causes for homeless youth and compare them to adults – there are stark differences between their needs and risks. SB 918 will put California on a path to address this shameful problem."

Equality California co-sponsored SB 918 with California Coalition for Youth, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Housing California, John Burton Advocates for Youth, and Tipping Point.

Equality California is the nation's largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org