SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Today, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s (D-Encinitas) bill to promote housing stability and a positive support system that helps transition LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness to permanent housing either as independent adults, or by reuniting with their family passed the Assembly Floor with a bipartisan 71-0 vote.
“Stable and affirming housing plays a vital role in the safety of all youth, especially youth identifying as LGBTQ+,” said Assemblymember Boerner. “AB 589 creates the Unicorn Homes Transitional Housing for Homeless LGBTQ+ Youth Program pilot project to help identify, screen, and train LGBTQ+ affirming households that host LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness due to family rejection with a safe place to stay.”
“Every LGBTQ Center in California can share stories of abuse and violence, but also youth resilience over the stories of human trafficking and substance use. The Unicorn Homes program was born out of necessity,” said Max Disposti, Founder and Executive Director of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center. “AB 589 helps provide a roof over our youth’s head where they can be supported and when possible, reunified with their family of origin. Unicorn Homes recruits a network of families willing to step in and offer a room at no cost. This program is critical in preventing chronic homelessness.”
AB 589 seeks to address the housing crisis in a unique way. There is no state housing program targeted directly at LBGTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness and Unicorn Homes can help support state efforts to prevent and end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
AB 589 now moves to the Senate for their consideration.
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Assemblymember Tasha Boerner represents the 77th District, which encompasses Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and the coastal communities of La Jolla south to Downtown and Coronado. You can learn more about Assemblymember Boerner at a77.asmdc.org, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.