Policy & Legislation
SB 198 Seeks to Clarify Eligibility for Homeless Youth Funds
SB 198 (Battin) would clarify that programs serving homeless youth under the age of 18 are eligible to receive funding from the Department of Housing and Community Development. Housing California supports this clarification.
However, we are working with Senator Battin on modifying another provision in the bill that would affect programs serving both homeless youth under the age of 18 and over the age of 18. The worrisome provision states that these populations may not be placed in the same "sleeping areas."
While supportive of the intention of this provision, we are concerned that the term "sleeping areas" could be interpreted to prohibit anyone under 18 from sharing an apartment with anyone 18 or older, even if they have separate bedrooms. It may also prohibit shelters from providing beds for both youth under 18 and those over 18. Battin appears receptive to our proposal to change the term "sleeping areas" to "bedrooms."
Contact: Zack Olmstead, (916) 447-0503 x 102 or