THOMPSON ANNOUNCES $200,000 GRANT FOR SONOMA COUNTY’S SOCIAL ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) today announced a $200,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Sonoma County's Social Advocates for Youth (SAY).
"SAY provides kids in Sonoma County with homes, stability and hope for a good future," said Thompson. "Their work reduces youth homelessness and makes our entire community a stronger, better place. I am proud to support these grants to help SAY continue and expand their work throughout out county."
"Homelessness among youth has risen 145 percent over the past five years in Sonoma County. One in four homeless people in Sonoma County is under the age of 25. The need is clear, and we've seen the City of Santa Rosa, and the County of Sonoma respond with funding for SAY's housing and outreach programs," said Matt Martin, CEO of SAY. "We're honored to announce this supporting grant from the Federal government that will leverage those funds. Last year only 16 agencies received funding and we are humbled, in this competitive market, to be chosen."
The grant will allow SAY to operate their 24/7 Dr. Coffee House Teen Shelter, where 91 percent of youth were successfully reunited with family or moved to stable housing in the last year. SAY will also expand outreach services to four new regions of Sonoma County, providing a daily presence on site where homeless youth need support.
Founded in 1971, SAY provides support, opportunities and hope to children, youth and families by focusing on three core areas: housing, counseling and job skills training.
Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.
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