1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am a constituent and I am also privileged to be the President of the Board of Directors for Waking the Village, a longstanding Sacramento nonprofit that provides housing and support to unhoused youth parenting minor children. I am asking Senator Ashby to support $50 million in one-time funding for CALOES YE and HY Pilot programs to ensure that California does not close its many youth shelters. In the last year, California lost 500 youth beds. We cannot lose more. Waking the Village has housed hundreds of parenting youth and their children with these funds. In 2025, 53 Sacramento County youth and children received housing from the shelter that will close if this funding is lost. Over 95% of youth exit this shelter to permanent, safe housing. 93% report improved health. 94% engage in wellness supports. Over 90% engage with the employment program and 56% secure jobs prior to exit. When we take action to end youth homelessness, we prevent the much more costly slide into chronic adult homelessness. lease ensure we don't lose this progress and leave these youth unsheltered. Thank you.