Youth and Young Adults

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Being young and on your own, or not safe at home, is so hard. You're not in trouble for reaching out, and you don't have to figure it all out by yourself. There are people in California who help young people just like you, every day.

Here is the easy first step: if you need a safe place or someone to talk to, call 1.800.RUNAWAY (800.786.2929). It's at no cost, private and open 24/7. You can also chat at 1800runaway.org.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I go if I can't stay at home?

The California Youth Crisis Line is a great place to start. It says youth can always call or text, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 800.843.5200.

You can also chat with a crisis counselor at calyouth.org.

• 1.800.RUNAWAY can also help you find a youth shelter near you.
• Youth shelters and programs near you are in the county list later in this guide.
• If you're 18 to 24, ask 211 or 1.800.RUNAWAY about young adult shelters near you.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://calyouth.org/cycl

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You're not in trouble

Calling a youth hotline doesn't mean you're in trouble. They're there to listen and help you stay safe. You did a smart thing by reaching out!

What if I aged out of foster care?

In California, Extended Foster Care lets eligible youth stay in foster care longer. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) says it can give case management and housing support.

Ask your social worker about the age limits.

• To qualify, CDSS says you must be 18 to 21, have had an order for foster care placement on your 18th birthday, and meet one requirement, like being in school, working at least part time, or being in a job program.
• If you left care at or after 18, CDSS says you can re enter before your 21st birthday. Contact your old social worker, probation officer or county child welfare agency.
• Even if your case is closed, you may qualify for THP Plus, a transitional housing program.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/foster-care/extended-foster-care-ab-12

Where you start doesn't decide where you end up. You've got a whole future ahead of you, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Can I stay in school if I don't have a stable home?

Yes, often. Every school district has a homeless education liaison to help students without stable housing stay in school.

Talk to your school counselor or front office and ask for the district's homeless liaison.

College in California: the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth gives money for college or career school to current or former foster youth who were in foster care for at least one day between ages 16 and 18 and are under 26 on July 1 of the award year. The California Student Aid Commission says awards for the 2026 to 2027 school year are up to $4,500, and awards are not guaranteed. Start by filing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application, and ask the college's financial aid office.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.csac.ca.gov/chafee

Can I go to community college at no cost?

Maybe. The California College Promise Grant waives enrollment fees at California community colleges for eligible students.

The California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office says:

• Students who get SSI, TANF (CalWORKs) or General Assistance at the time they enroll can qualify.
• Students under 25 who are homeless, as defined by the federal McKinney Vento Act, can qualify. A homeless services provider or certain college program directors can verify it.
• Students who qualify for need based financial aid can also qualify.
• The grant covers enrollment fees. Ask the financial aid office about books and other costs.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.cccco.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/sep-2026-ccpg-and-special-programs-manual-a11y.pdf

Can I get food help while I'm in college?

Yes, you may. The Governor's office says that, starting June 1, 2026, financially eligible undergraduate students enrolled at least half time in an associate or bachelor's degree program at a community college, CSU or UC meet the CalFresh student requirement.

It says students can get up to $306 a month for groceries. Apply at BenefitsCal.com.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/09/california-improves-access-to-calfresh-food-benefits-helping-college-students-get-up-to-306-a-month-to-buy-groceries/

Where can I find a job or training?

• Job Corps, ages 16 to 24. Job Corps says it is a no cost career training and education program for young adults with low incomes, with housing and meals while you train. Call 800.733.5627.
• America's Job Center of California youth services. If you're 14 to 24, you may qualify for no cost help at your local center, like mentoring, work experience, skills training and help finishing school. See Guide 6 for your county.
• Your library. No cost computers, WiFi and often help with resumes.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.jobcorps.gov/

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/Services_for_Youth/

Do I need a work permit, and how many hours can I work?

In California, most workers under 18 need a work permit, even in summer. The California Department of Education and the Labor Commissioner say:

• First, get a job offer. Then get the form called Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit (CDE Form B1 1) from your school.
• You fill out your part, your employer fills out theirs, and a parent or guardian and the employer sign it. An emancipated minor can sign instead of a parent.
• Turn it in to your school. The school decides whether to give you the permit (CDE Form B1 4). Some schools have extra rules, like keeping a 2.0 GPA.
• Permits can run out, so ask your school when to renew it.
• You don't need a permit if you've graduated high school, passed the CHSPE or earned a GED, or for odd jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns.
• Questions about pay for teens? Check the official page below.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/we/wpfaq.asp and https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/Complying-with-Child-Labor-Laws-English.pdf

Can I get a no cost California ID?

Yes, if you don't have a stable home. The DMV says you may get a no fee ID card if you are homeless as defined by the McKinney Vento Act.

That includes homeless children and youth, and anyone fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or another dangerous situation.

• A shelter, school homeless liaison or homeless program fills out a verification form for you. Ask them for it before you go.
• Then visit a DMV office. Bring your Social Security number and a document that proves who you are, like a birth certificate or passport.
• The DMV may issue an ID card to a person of any age. It comes in the mail in about 3 to 4 weeks, so ask the shelter if you can use its address.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/identification-id-cards/

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Lost your birth certificate?

Tell your shelter or liaison and ask for help getting a new one. Guide 11 walks through getting ID and papers back, step by step.

Who can I talk to if I'm struggling?

• 988. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time.
• The Trevor Project. No cost, private support 24/7 for LGBTQ+ young people, by call, text or chat at thetrevorproject.org.
• 1.800.RUNAWAY. You can call just to talk, even if you're not planning to leave home.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

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Save the numbers

Take a screenshot of the key numbers in this guide so you have them even without data. Easy peasy!

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

California

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

San Diego County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Orange County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Santa Clara County (San Jose)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Fresno County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. I believe in you. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026