The one-story house with shingle siding looks like most others in a neighborhood a few blocks south of Woodside Road in Redwood City. It’s what’s inside that sets it apart.
The house is San Mateo County’s only home for homeless youth.
StarVista, a San Carlos-based nonprofit, operates a program there called Daybreak. Homeless youth, ages 16 to 21, learn the skills they need to live on their own in a stable, caring environment.
Clients also receive meals, clothing and other essentials while taking part in cooking communal meals and other daily chores while attending school, job training programs and other future-focused activities.
“It’s something that I’m not used to, having a home first of all, and having nicer people in my life,” one client said.
Clients also receive personal case managers and learn money management and other essential life skills.
The region’s high housing prices and cost of living pose significant challenges for these youth who do not have traditional family supports to turn to.
While the goal is to help clients move to permanent housing within 120 days – four months – the average lengthy of stay in the 2023-23 fiscal year was 161 days. This is due to the challenges in locating affordable housing.
Daybreak is supported with funds from Measure K.
