Community Analysis
We are working to drastically change the systemic challenges that youth—specifically older or “transition-age” youth (TAY) of color—who are or have been involved with the foster care system experience.
CARES Ambassadors
Atlanta Ambassadors
Los Angeles Ambassadors
New York Ambassadors
#CARES4Power
Follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work, the CARES Ambassadors, and the policies we are building to advance change for all transition age youth.
Cara Baldari, Vice President of Family Economics, Housing, and Homelessness at First Focus on Children, will be a featured speaker at Building a Community That CARES for Young Adults on October 30th.
With over a decade of experience at First Focus, Cara has played a leading role in advocating for policies that combat child poverty and homelessness, including her work on the U.S. Child Poverty Action Group and securing federal funding for the National Academies study, A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty. Her expertise will bring valuable insights into the housing policy solutions needed to support young people transitioning out of foster care.
🗓️ Event Date: October 30th
🕐 Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET / 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Cara’s perspective on youth-centered housing policies and ending youth homelessness.
Register by clicking the link in our bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
Elizabeth Villa, a Close-In Ambassador for the CARES Initiative from Los Angeles, will be a featured speaker at Building a Community That CARES for Young Adults on October 30th. A dedicated parent and advocate, Elizabeth has channeled her personal experiences as a former foster youth with a child into her work with advocacy groups supporting youth impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
Her goal is to continue her advocacy journey, pushing for legislative change and helping young people, especially those from lower-income and marginalized communities, access essential resources like housing, education, and mental health support.
🗓️ Event Date: October 30th
🕐 Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET / 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT
Hear Elizabeth’s powerful insights on youth-centered housing policies that aim to create better futures for young people transitioning out of foster care.
Register by clicking the link in our bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
Did you know nearly two-thirds of unhoused young people in Los Angeles cite economic hardship as the reason they can`t secure housing? High costs and underfunded assistance programs are creating barriers for young people trying to establish stability.
The CARES Initiative is calling for a different and better housing experience, including expanding eligibility for housing vouchers and removing barriers that exclude young people from accessing quality housing to help them find homes in safe, opportunity-rich neighborhoods.
Explore their policy recommendations at Policy in Action: Building a Community that CARES for Young Adults.
Register by clicking the link in our bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
Kayonda Branch, a Close-In Ambassador for the CARES Initiative, will be a featured speaker at Building a Community That CARES for Young Adults on October 30th. As an advocate counselor for Good Shepherd Services, Kayonda is dedicated to supporting youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems.
Her personal experience as a former foster youth drives her passion for improving housing solutions that better support young people transitioning into adulthood.
Kayonda’s insights will contribute to a discussion on youth-centered housing policies in New York City and Los Angeles, highlighting the changes needed to ensure all young people have access to stable, safe housing in their communities.
🗓️ Event Date: October 30th
🕐 Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET / 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Kayonda’s perspective on housing policies that empower youth.
Register by clicking the link in the bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
New York City`s housing crisis is especially tough on young people. Many face high rents, long waitlists for assistance, and bureaucratic barriers just to secure a stable home. The CARES Initiative has worked alongside young adults who have experienced foster care to create a youth-centered housing policy agenda for New York City.
This agenda envisions safe, affordable, and stable housing options that empower young people to pursue their goals without fear of instability or discrimination.
Learn more about their vision and how we can make this a reality by registering at the link in our bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
🔑 Young people in Los Angeles are calling for more than just housing—they want homes that provide safety, stability, and peace of mind. But current housing programs often fail to meet their needs, leaving many to navigate a complex system on their own.
CARES Ambassadors envision a future where all young people can access safe, stable, healthy and affordable housing without fear of discrimination or instability. Learn more about their vision at Policy in Action: Building a Community that CARES for Young Adults.
Register by clicking the link in the bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOu
Michael Santos, Associate Director at RESULTS Educational Fund, will be a featured speaker at Policy in Action: Building a Community That CARES for Young Adults on 10/30! With extensive experience advocating for low-income and underrepresented communities, Michael has dedicated his career to influencing federal housing policies that combat poverty.
Currently, he chairs the American Bar Association’s Commission on Homelessness & Poverty, further showcasing his commitment to advancing housing solutions for young people.
🗓️ Event Date: October 30th
🕐 Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET / 10:00 - 11:30 AM PT
Don’t miss this chance to hear Michael’s insights on youth-centered housing policies that can transform lives.
Register by clicking the link in our bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
🛑 Did you know that 90% of young people experiencing homelessness in New York City are youth of color?
Systemic barriers like redlining, community disinvestment, and discrimination in the housing market are keeping young people from accessing safe, stable, healthy, and affordable homes. Even those who have housing assistance still face challenges leasing a suitable rental unit free from physical hazards, in neighborhoods that are safe and offer the amenities young people need.
The CARES Initiative is calling for housing policies that break down these barriers and provide young people—especially Black and brown youth—with the stability they need to thrive.
Join the conversation at Policy in Action: Building a Community that CARES for Young Adults.
Register by clicking the link in our bio!
#Equity #YoungAdults #TAY #TransitionAgeYouth #CARES4Power #HousingSupport #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #ChildWelfare #AgingOut
Recent Blogs
2024 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing: Queer and Vulnerable
Danie Guzman joined the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s 2024 Capitol Hill Policy Briefing—Queer and Vulnerable, alongside Shadi Houshyar, CSSP, and Currey Cook, Lambda Legal. They discussed opportunities to support and affirm LGBTQ+ young people…
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Opportunities to Create Affirming and Supportive Communities for LGBTQ+ Young People
All young people belong to families and communities and deserve our collective love and support. Young people want to be seen for their “whole selves”—that is, in the full beauty and complexity of who…
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Empowering Foster Youth: The Case for Supporting the Increasing Access to Foster Care Through 21 Act
In the ever-evolving landscape of foster care, the needs of transitioning youth demand attention and action. As organizations deeply invested in the success and well-being of these young individuals, we unite in support of…
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Pathways to Independence — Supporting Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
This month, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) and Creating Real and Actionable Solutions (CARES), a CSSP initiative funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation, submitted written testimony that addresses strategies to…
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