Victorville, CA – 1/28/25 – A critical safety net for homeless and runaway youth in San Bernardino County is on the verge of collapse due to a sudden pause on federal funding by the White House. Family Assistance Program, the county’s only runaway and homeless youth shelter, faces closure unless the funding is reinstated immediately.
Youths Pushed to the Streets
The shelter provides emergency housing and support services to at-risk youth aged 12-17. With the loss of funding, these vulnerable children will be forced onto the streets, exposing them to exploitation, violence, and further trauma.
Beyond Youths: Hundreds at Risk of Losing Homes
The funding freeze extends far beyond the youth shelter. Over $250,000 earmarked for rental assistance in the High Desert has also been withheld, jeopardizing the housing stability of hundreds of families and individuals. This ripple effect will hit everyone – families will lose their homes, landlords will struggle to make mortgage payments, and property management companies will be unable to maintain their buildings.
Call to Action: Congressman Obernolte Must Act
Family Assistance Program urges all residents of the High Desert to contact Congressman Jay Obernolte and demand that he intervene on behalf of their most vulnerable constituents. Congressman Obernolte can be reached at (202) 225-5861 or through his website: https://obernolte.house.gov.
“We implore Congressman Obernolte to take immediate action,” says Darryl Evey, Chief Executive Officer. “The wellbeing of our children and our entire community is at stake.”
About Family Assistance Program
Family Assistance Program is a lifeline for thousands in the High Desert, providing critical services to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and formerly incarcerated individuals. With the help of FAP’s various programs, roughly 3,000 people each year find the path to safety, stability, and self-sufficiency.
