When Lizette* first came to the Transitional Housing Placement Plus program, she was an expectant parent who was mistreated by her foster family and concerned that her baby would grow up in a toxic environment.

She was relieved to find out that StarVista could provide rental assistance and support services to help her in her transition to independent living. Working with her StarVista case manager, she engaged in goal-directed activities to obtain housing, enroll and stay in college, and pursue employment.

Through consistency, self-advocacy and supportive case management, Lizette was able to secure stable housing in a beautiful home in Brisbane where she rents two rooms, including one as a nursery for her baby boy. The landlords are a couple who learned about our program and were inspired to offer this former foster youth a safe and supportive living environment. The landlords have become another a source of encouragement for Lizette’s family, with regular check-ins and gifts for the baby.

Lizette is taking online courses at Skyline College with the guidance of a Retention Specialist in the Guardian Scholars Program, a program that helps meet the academic, social, emotional, and financial needs of college-bound students who are transitioning out of the foster care system. She is currently meeting all THP Plus program requirements, including 30 hours a week of school, part-time work, parenting and play classes with her baby, as well as seeking out mental health support to assist in this life transition.
By participating in THP Plus, Lizette received the assistance she needed to achieve housing stability and take the first steps towards her independence.

*Names and identifying features have been changed to protect client confidentiality.