Youth Assistance Coalition

Youth Assistance Coalition is a San Diego, CA 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in 2010. Youth Assistance Coalition (YAC) was created in 2017 to positively impact the lives of youth experiencing homelessness through empowerment, mentorship, and community collaboration to provide transformative opportunities and break the cycle of homelessness. Our dedicated volunteers operate two ongoing and successful programs designed to alleviate homelessness in youth. 

YAC is a predominantly volunteer-run organization that serves youth ages 12 – 24. This is a pivotal age when youth are particularly vulnerable and may be exiting foster care or may no longer be eligible for many other services. Decisions made and actions taken during this phase of life can have long-term effects lasting well into adulthood. Our organization looks to address the root causes of poverty and social injustice that are the unfortunate and ongoing obstacles faced by the youth we serve. We currently have over 40 volunteers committed to doing this by running our outreach and drop-in center programs.

 The YAC Outreach Program is designed to initiate contact and build relationships with youth experiencing homelessness to provide them mentorship and help them access services. To achieve this, volunteers enter the community 4 times per week and distribute water as well as bags filled with non-perishable food and hygiene items. The outreach bags spark conversation and help volunteers make positive connections and build rapport with children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness. Participating in regular outreach efforts allows YAC to engage individuals and build trust.

The YAC Drop-in Center functions as a safe space for transitional-age youth to receive supportive services.  The goal of the Center is to provide resources based on identified needs, complete referrals to collaborative partners, build permanency connections between youth and volunteers while providing essential items. 

Connecting our youth to vital services can only be done with the assistance of collaborative partners.  YAC has built a network of powerful partnerships and provides collaborative services with several key local organizations. YAC works with these organizations to provide youth access to jobs, housing, create unique educational and vocational plans for youth experiencing homelessness to provide them with ongoing support to help them achieve their goals.