LA County Restores Funding for Homeless Youth and Prevention Programs

Following weeks of back and forth, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a motion to restore funding for transitional age youth and key homelessness prevention programs, and is exploring other ways Wednesday to sustain those programs.

In a report presented earlier this month, the Chief Executive Office suggested cuts to some programs in the 2025-2026 Homeless Initiative Funding Recommendations, generating some criticism.

Introduced by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell, Tuesday’s motion reinstated $5.6 million in funding to programs for people aged 16 to 25 who are at a higher risk of homelessness.

Funding was also partially restored to other prevention services and legal and financial support programs.

The restored programs will be funded by redirecting allocations within the Public Defender’s Office, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, and the Department of Health Services.

“This restoration is about protecting our most vulnerable youth and ensuring we don’t let up on the progress we’ve made to prevent homelessness before it begins,” Barger said in a statement.

“We’re sending a clear message that we need to keep these safety nets strong, especially for our young adults trying to gain stability and independence.”

The board also directed the Chief Executive Office to explore future options for sustaining the programs as part of the regular and supplemental budget processes, including funding opportunities through the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency.

“Our young people transitioning out of the county’s foster care system — which is the largest in the nation — are one of the most vulnerable populations to experience poverty that results in them becoming unhoused,” Mitchell said in a statement.

“Ensuring funding is in place for the County’s Transitional Age Youth is a necessary investment in our fight to end the homelessness crisis.”