The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors last week approved nearly $32.7 million for initiatives to help youth and adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness and health issues.
The board approved contracts totaling about $23.9 million with Valley Star Behavioral Health Inc. and Victor Community Support Services Inc. to provide One Stop Transitional Age Youth Center services from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030.
Mental Health Services Act and Medi-Cal funds support the initiative to assist youth ages 16 to 25 experiencing mental health problems, substance use disorders and housing instability.
“TAY Centers offer safe, community-based spaces for underserved youth to receive counseling, treatment, case management and wraparound support that promote independence and reduce hospitalizations and homelessness,” according to the county.
Valley Star will operate in the East Desert and West Valley regions, while Victor will serve High Desert communities. The program is expected to serve more than 1,000 young people each year “and has demonstrated strong outcomes, with 66% of participants showing improvement in daily life-skills,” officials reported.
“Targeting housing assistance services and enhancing collaboration between departments to ensure vulnerable youth have the support and stability necessary for a successful transition into adulthood aligns with the Countywide Vision,” officials said.
Board accepts grant for homeless services campus
The county Community Development and Housing Department is getting a $3 million grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to support the completion of phase II of the Pacific Village Campus Project in the city of San Bernardino.
The funding was awarded through the San Manuel Cares program. The grant aims to help close a construction funding gap and enhance key therapeutic and community spaces at the county’s flagship campus for addressing homelessness through housing, behavioral health and recovery services.
“Pacific Village provides a full continuum of care for individuals experiencing homelessness, including permanent supportive housing, recuperative care beds and residential substance use treatment,” according to the county. “Once complete, the campus will serve approximately 350 individuals annually and stand as a regional model for integrated homelessness response.”
Homekey grant to fund Tiny Home Village for at-risk youth
The board approved a standard agreement with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Family Assistance Program for the development and operations of the Transitional Age Youth Tiny Home Village in Victorville.
The agreement will provide up to $5.8 million in Homekey Round 3 funding from the state to build 22 interim housing units and provide supportive services for youth 18-24 experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The project at 16857 C St. will include seven duplex-style tiny homes, a rehabilitated residential structure and a full-service campus equipped with case management, life skills training, education and employment readiness services, officials said.
“No additional discretionary general funding is required; the Family Assistance Program will meet the local match requirement using a grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation,” according to the county. “Of the total award, $2 million will repay a previously approved county bridge loan. This marks the county’s first youth-focused Homekey initiative and fills a critical service gap in the High Desert region.”
More information on the county’s efforts to address homelessness is online at sbchp.sbcounty.gov.
San Bernardino County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count, reported 13 children under age 18 in nine families were experiencing homelessness. A total of 3,821 people were experiencing homelessness countywide, a slight decrease from the previous year.
