Project
SAFE STAY
A temporary housing and empowerment model combining safe living environments with financial literacy, mentorship, and life-skills development for youth aging out of foster care.
Core Program Pillars
"Housing alone is insufficient; stability must be paired with preparation for independence."
Empowerment Through Stability
Project SAFE STAY addresses one of the most persistent and under-resourced transition failures in the American social support system: the experience of young people aging out of foster care. Each year, tens of thousands of youth exit foster care with limited financial resources, unstable housing prospects, and little access to consistent adult guidance.
Safe Housing
Temporary, supportive living environments.
Financial Education
Budgeting, banking, credit & entrepreneurship.
Mentorship
Consistent adult guidance and support.
Life Skills
Job readiness and workforce preparation.
Ages 18-24
Supporting young adults who have recently aged out of foster care at their most critical transition.
Homelessness
Significant risk within years of aging out.
Unemployment
Limited pathways to stable employment.
Why SAFE STAY?
Youth aging out of foster care face a uniquely precarious transition. Unlike their peers, they often lack the fundamental support systems needed for independence.
Stable Housing Options
Many exit care without a permanent place to live.
Financial Literacy
Limited access to credit, banking, and budgeting knowledge.
Adult Mentors
No consistent advocates or guidance figures.
Education Pathways
Barriers to postsecondary and vocational training.
Goals of Impact
Legislative
Advocate for extended foster care support and transitional funding mandates.
Housing
Provide safe, supportive, temporary housing with clear transition pathways.
Program
Deliver structured financial literacy curricula and robust mentorship.
Empowerment
Increase educational attainment, workforce participation, and self-sufficiency.
Strategic Approach
Legislative Advocacy
- Extend eligibility beyond age 18
- Fund transitional housing programs
- Support public-private partnerships
Funding & Resources
- Federal & state grants (Chafee Program)
- Foundation funding for youth development
- Corporate partnership pathways
Housing Development
- Small-scale apartment acquisition
- Safety and dignity renovations
- Clear house rules and support structures
Financial Literacy
- Budgeting and banking fundamentals
- Credit building and management
- Entrepreneurship foundations
Mentorship Program
- Mentor recruitment and training
- Strategic youth matching
- Long-term relationship building
Wrap-Around Support
- Educational resources and GED
- Mental health and wellness services
- Legal aid and advocacy access
2026 Milestones
Foundation Building
Legislative strategy finalized; housing sites identified; curriculum development initiated.
Program Launch
Pilot financial literacy workshops launched; mentor recruitment completed; housing secured.
Full Operations
First cohort housed; mentorship program operational; employment partnerships activated.
Evaluation & Expansion
Outcomes evaluated; legislative advocacy advanced; expansion planning initiated.
Risk Mitigation
Funding Sustainability
Diversified funding streams across federal, foundation, and corporate sources.
Youth Engagement
Trauma-informed engagement practices to support retention.
Program Capacity
Strong partner vetting and comprehensive staff training.
Staffing Constraints
Strategic recruitment and volunteer mentor programs.
Evaluation Metrics
Legislation Advanced
Number of bills introduced or passed supporting foster youth.
Capital Committed
Total funds secured for transitional housing development.
Youth Housed
Number of young adults provided safe, stable housing.
Program Completion
Financial literacy and mentorship engagement rates.
Employment Placement
Education and workforce participation outcomes.
Self-Sufficiency
Youth satisfaction and independence indicators.
Strategic Alignment
Housing as Infrastructure
Foundational for youth stability
People-First Policy
Prevention over crisis response
Legislation with Accountability
Foster care reform with teeth
Community-Led Support
Mentorship and local partnerships
Full-Cycle Leadership
From advocacy to program delivery
Support Our
Youth
Independence is a learned process, not an automatic outcome. Join us in building pathways from foster care to self-sufficiency.