There are a lot of similarities between the foster youth and homeless youth for whom the John Burton Foundation advocates. Foster care services, extended by AB12, may be able to help those youth who previously would not have entered foster care. Under the previous system many homeless youth did not become dependents because they were considered too close to aging out or feared getting their families into trouble. For some, the time limitation that forced youth out of foster care at 18 may have led to an assumption that it wasn’t worth going through the often lengthy and contentious process of bringing an older youth into care. Click here to read this article by Amy Lemly from the John Burton Foundation.

On Tuesday, September 13, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will vote on whether the proposed Edward II housing project can move forward. The proposed project- converting the Edward II hotel in the Marina to 24 units for transitional age foster youth- has faced stiff opposition from many residents in the community. Residents have cited a number of reasons for concern: construction will cause traffic delays, new building will obstruct views, an influx of teens will cause crime to increase in the neighborhood. However, many of these concerns have been addressed. There will be very little change to the exterior of Edward II, with most construction affecting the interior of the building. There will be 24 hour staff and a security team to handle any issues as they arise.

San Francisco’s foster and homeless youth are in dire need of housing. More than 5,700 youth in San Francisco are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. 1 in 5 foster youth will end up homeless within 18 months of emancipating from the system. These youth need our support. Please come out on September 13 and raise your voice for foster youth.

Board of Supervisors vote, September 13, 4:00 PM, City Hall

To read more about the Edward II project, click here.