Kenneth Rivere, 55, stores the care packages given to him by the Continuum of Care staffers conducting a Point-in-Time Count in Jackson, Miss., Madison, Jan. 27, 2025. Rivere, a veteran, said this is the first time he's been homeless. A PIT Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in January.
San Diego, California – Local officials on Friday announced a significant expansion to a shelter program for unhoused young adults, with a new downtown San Diego site that will double the program’s capacity and offer enhanced services.
The city-funded Safe Shelter for Transition-Age Youth (Safe STAY) program, which has previously operated out of two interim locations serving 21 individuals ages 18 to 24, will now operate from a single, permanent location with room for up to 43 residents.
“Without a support system or financial stability, too many of San Diego’s young people are ending up on the streets,” said Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego), who helped secure $1.5 million in federal funding for the project. “This permanent youth shelter will provide a safe space where they will be protected, respected, and offered the help they need, including services for LGBTQ+ youth.”
The new facility, expected to begin housing residents within two weeks, is configured for semi-congregate living, allowing for greater privacy than traditional shelters. The San Diego Housing Commission contracts with The San Diego LGBT Community Center—also known as The Center—to operate Safe STAY in partnership with San Diego Youth Services and the YMCA of San Diego County.
“It’s inspiring to see this space—designed by youth, for youth—come to life,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, whose district includes the new shelter. “I wish we didn’t need shelters for young people, but I’m proud this one will double our capacity to help them build the futures they deserve.”
The shelter includes amenities such as residential restrooms with showers, a community area, laundry space, and staff offices. The Safe STAY program offers housing-focused case management, transportation and employment support, and basic needs assistance. Residents also receive access to mental health services, education and job training programs, and personalized care coordination.
“Safe STAY is more than a shelter; it’s a critical lifeline,” said Cara Dessert, CEO of The Center. “Vulnerable youth come to us in survival mode, and they leave with the care and the resources to dream, to grow and to thrive.”
According to the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, the number of transition-age youth experiencing homelessness in the region rose 21% from 2023 to 2024. About a quarter of adults experiencing chronic homelessness report becoming unhoused before age 24.
The shelter’s annual operating budget is approximately $1.9 million.
