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I was happy to read the article about how San Mateo County purchased a home in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood to house foster youth ages 18-24 who are aging out of the system. Then I was dismayed to read how neighbors are protesting this and are concerned about the threats to their safety these youth pose.
Why do they assume these youth would be a threat to their safety? Do they know anything about foster youth and the trauma they have endured? Our foster youth need all the support they can get to have successful futures, and housing is vital. We all know how expensive housing in San Mateo County is. Providing transitional housing for them is crucial. Statistics show that about 25% of youth aging out of foster care experience homelessness.
Foster youth have so many challenges to overcome, and they need all the support we can provide.
Just graduating from high school can be a challenge. They deserve the opportunity to be able to attend college or a trade school. I am continually inspired by their resilience and how successful they can become when support is provided through programs like Project Change through the San Mateo County Community College District and Guardian Scholar Programs.
We should be doing everything we can to facilitate their success. Thank you, San Mateo Co. Board of Supervisors, for purchasing this house, so there is hope for a successful future for these youth. I hope the neighbors embrace these youth and welcome them. They sure are worthy of your support.
Lori McBride, Redwood City
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Lori, thank you for your comment. I live in NFO right around the corner from this house and am happy to have it here and spoke at the BOS mtg. There are some challenges, including access to transportation that in my mind are legitimate but I totally agree with you. We as a community need to support these youth to become successful contributing adults. There is no more reason to worry about these youth than any other new neighbor moving into our community. Lets come together as a community and support these kids and other new neighbors. Coming together to support each other may just be the best thing we can do in our world right now!
Thanks, Rebecca! I agree that this location is not ideal for transportation. I love your attitude and am glad you will be their neighbor to welcome them!