California is on the brink of implementing a transformative program to combat student homelessness. Senate Bill 33 (SB 33), known as the California Success, Opportunity, and Academic Resilience (SOAR) Guaranteed Income Program, aims to support high school seniors facing homelessness. This legislation seeks to address a crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of students statewide and establish a model for fostering stability and success.
A Lifeline for Homeless High School Seniors
Introduced by Senator Dave Cortese, SB 33 proposes giving eligible homeless high school seniors $1,000 per month for four months following their graduation. This critical transition period—from May to August—often determines whether these students can pursue higher education, vocational training, or employment, or remain trapped in cycles of poverty and instability.
The Growing Crisis of Student Homelessness
Homelessness among students is a staggering problem in California. In 2023, the Department of Education reported that 4.1% of the state’s K–12 students—approximately 250,000 children—experienced homelessness. In Los Angeles County alone, nearly 48,000 students lacked stable housing, representing a 9% increase from the previous year. According to the California Homeless Youth Project (2023), the economic and social toll on students experiencing homelessness is immense, affecting their academic performance and long-term opportunities.
For these students, homelessness is more than a statistic; it’s a daily struggle to survive. Without stable housing, access to food, or reliable transportation, education becomes an uphill battle. Homeless students face significant barriers to completing high school, let alone transitioning to higher education or securing stable jobs.
This crisis has long-term repercussions. Without intervention, these students risk perpetuating the cycle of poverty. SB 33 aims to break this cycle by offering financial support during a critical juncture in their lives.
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How SB 33 Works
The SOAR Guaranteed Income Program is designed with care and accountability:
Who It Helps: Public school seniors identified as homeless under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
What It Provides: A guaranteed income of $1,000 per month for four months after high school graduation.
Implementation: Managed by the California Department of Social Services, funded through state allocations and private donations.
Protections: The funds are tax-free and will not affect eligibility for public assistance programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs, or Medi-Cal.
Accountability: The program tracks outcomes such as college enrollment, housing stability, and employment. Findings will be reported to the legislature, ensuring transparency and guiding potential expansions.
Transforming Lives: The Potential Impact
The impact of $1,000 a month for a homeless student cannot be overstated. For some, it could mean securing stable housing; for others, it could fund transportation, tuition, or basic necessities. Most importantly, it offers peace of mind and the opportunity to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate survival.
Homeless students across California face significant challenges that extend beyond high school. Programs like SOAR aim to provide the resources needed to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood, empowering students to pursue opportunities that can help them build stable, successful futures.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Success
Critics of SB 33 may question its feasibility and funding. However, the program’s design ensures sustainability by leveraging both state and private funds. As a pilot program, SB 33 includes evaluation metrics to measure success, such as tracking participants’ educational and housing outcomes.
If successful, the program could be scaled or adapted to meet additional needs, potentially setting a precedent for addressing homelessness through direct financial assistance.
Understanding the Broader Context
Student homelessness is not just a financial issue—it affects access to education, long-term opportunities, and future stability. Programs like SB 33 focus on bridging the gap between high school and adulthood for some of the state’s most vulnerable populations. By doing so, the legislation aims to create pathways out of poverty and lay a foundation for future success.