FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2023
Contact: Emma Bittner
(972) 510-3395 | Emma.Bittner@younginvincibles.org
YI Co-Sponsored Bill Supports Houseless Youth with Guaranteed Income
(Los Angeles, CA) – Young Invincibles, a proud co-sponsor of Senator Dave Cortese’s (D – San Jose) Senate Bill 333. This bill would establish a statewide guaranteed income program titled Success, Opportunity, and Academic Resilience (SOAR) for graduating high school seniors experiencing homelessness. SOAR would provide this student population with $1,000 a month for five months, aiming to bridge the resource gap that many homeless students experience upon graduating from the K-12 education system.
Houseless youth face significant financial barriers to food, housing, health care, and higher education. Senate Bill 333 provides a clear and tangible path for unhoused high school seniors who often graduate and experience a phenomenon known as the “summer slump,” wherein students intend to attend college, but face financial challenges that prevent them from enrolling.
In response, Sarah Bouabibsa, West Advocacy Manager at Young Invincibles issued the following response:
“Access to food and housing is a right – one that young adults facing houselessness are not afforded. Senator Cortese’s SOAR program would pave a path forward for houseless high school seniors to gain access to shelter and food, and ultimately disrupt the cycle of poverty.
As a national non-profit organization that aims to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process and expand economic opportunity for our generation, Young Invincibles is proud to co-sponsor SB 333, a program that ultimately expands economic opportunity for our generation. We thank Senator Cortese for his continued commitment to fighting poverty and empowering young adults toward financial security.”
In response, said Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following response:
“Every student deserves an opportunity to pursue college, job training, or a career after high school. Unfortunately, about 15,000 homeless California students face incredible challenges affording the basic costs associated with the transition out of high school and into adulthood. SB 333 will place these students onto a brighter trajectory and a better future.”
In response, Teri Olle, California Campaign Director of the Economic Security Project issued the following response:
“Students graduating from high school are full of hopes, dreams, and plans for their future. But for students experiencing homelessness, insurmountable barriers block their path. Providing a guaranteed income during this critical transition between high school and college or career can make it possible for young people to find their footing and move toward adulthood with stability and confidence. This is how we disrupt the cycle of poverty. We’re proud to stand with Senator Cortese and sponsor SB 333.”
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Young Invincibles (YI) is a national advocacy and policy nonprofit organization focused on amplifying the voice of young people in the political process at the local, state, and federal levels. YI focuses on issues impacting young adults ages 18 to 34 in higher education, health care, economic security, and civic engagement. Our offices include Washington, D.C., California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas. For more information, please contact Emma Bittner at (972) 510-3395 or emma.bittner@younginvincibles.org