Build Futures

Results: In Orange County, 70% to 90% of the homeless population has no housing available to them. Build Futures focusing on the most underserved segment of the homeless population; youth ages 18 to 24 in Orange County. Documented statistics include: • 25,900 documented homeless youth in Orange County public schools K-12, has doubled in four years • Unemployment among 16 to 24 year olds has exploded to 51.1% – this is the hardest hit segment of the population during this recession, A commitment to youth this age is a commitment to prevention.

Target demographics: Transitional age youth - 18 to 24

Direct beneficiaries per year: Since inception in April, 2010, Build Futures has impacted the lives of close to 100 transitional age youth

Programs: Build futures housed and provided full case management to a record 125 homeless youth, an increase of 15% from the previous year and helped over 120 more. Build futures expects to house and provide full case management for 150 homeless youth in 2017 (a 20% increase), and to help over 300 homeless youth in some tangible way. Each year, build futures has served a larger number of homeless youth. Their services increase the protective factors around homeless youth and help them overcome the particular obstacles they face so they can get off the streets and become self-sufficient. For the last two years, 75% of the homeless youth in their rapid rehousing program obtained employment and were able to pay their own rent and become self-sufficient. Almost half of the youth did not have a high school diploma. The job placement rate is impressive considering the very low barriers to enter the program. Build futures gives a chance to the youth that others turn away; the chronically homeless, drug users, those with legal issues and felonies, they forgo the requirements and obstacles that are common with many non-profits and programs in this age group.