Housing and Homelessness Committee Memorandum
TO: HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS DATE: SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
FROM: HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES WARD: 2
SUBJECT: CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FROM LEAP FOR JOY FOUNDATION TO ACQUIRE 775 HUSTON STREET, RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA 92507, FOR A SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT PROGRAM FOR PREGNANT TEENS AND PROGRAM START-UP COSTS TOTALING $1,283,000, FUNDED THROUGH THE HOMELESS HOUSING, ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION ROUND 4 GRANT ISSUE:
Conceptually approve a proposal from Leap for Joy Foundation to acquire the residential property located at 775 Huston Street, Riverside, California 92507, and provide $1,283,000 in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 4 grant funds for the property acquisition and program start-up costs to establish a short-term residential treatment program for pregnant teens.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Housing and Homelessness Committee conceptually approve a proposal from Leap for Joy Foundation to acquire the residential property located at 775 Huston Street, Riverside, California 92507, and provide $1,283,000 in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 4 grant funds for the property acquisition and program start-up costs to establish a short-term residential treatment program for pregnant teens; and forward the recommendation to the City Council for consideration.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS) received a proposal from Leap for Joy Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2022 with a mission to strengthen and empower families by ensuring they have the resources and support needed to live healthy and successful lives. Leap for Joy Foundation provides health education, technical assistance, counseling, and other resources designed to address community needs. The organization emphasizes collaboration and works with families, community providers, and other partners to strengthen community health and well-being.
In addition to providing direct support to families, Leap for Joy Foundation provides education and technical assistance to public health professionals and community-based providers to enhance their capacity to serve families effectively. The organization's current work includes consulting with the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) and Stanford University on systems strategy development and evaluation for a statewide maternal health initiative.
The proposal originally submitted to the City requested Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Because the proposed project would serve pregnant teens who are at risk of homelessness, HHS staff recommended that the funding request be considered for the City’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Round 4 (HHAP-4) grant funds. Using HHAP-4 funds for the proposed project would preserve available CDBG funds for additional capital improvement projects and other eligible activities that cannot be funded with HHAP-4.
STATEMENT OF NEED
According to the California Child Welfare Indicators Project, there are more than 30,000 youth ages 0 to 21 in foster care in California. While the number of foster youth who are currently pregnant is unknown, approximately 640 foster youth are currently parenting. Expectant and parenting foster youth, many of whom have experienced significant trauma, may face increased challenges related to mental health, housing instability, disrupted education, and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).
Teen pregnancy also presents significant challenges for young people in Riverside, where expectant and parenting teens may experience housing instability, limited access to health care, and interruptions to their education. Existing support services can be fragmented, making it difficult for some teens to access the coordinated housing, health, behavioral health, educational, and supportive services needed to achieve stability and long-term success.
Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) are California-licensed residential programs designed to provide intensive treatment and supportive services to foster youth with significant mental health and therapeutic needs. STRTPs were established as part of California's Continuum of Care Reform (CCR), enacted in 2015 and implemented beginning in 2017, replacing the previous group home model. STRTPs are designed to provide short-term, trauma-informed care that stabilizes youth and supports their transition to family-based or other appropriate placements.
According to a 2024 report by Mary's Path, relatively few STRTP beds in California are specifically dedicated to pregnant and parenting youth. The report further indicates that programs serving this population may lack specialized protocols, staff training in perinatal care, and culturally responsive services tailored to the needs of pregnant and parenting teens.
DISCUSSION:
Leap for Joy Foundation has submitted a request to HHS for $1,283,000 in HHAP-4 grant funds to acquire the residential property located at 775 Huston Street, Riverside, California 92507, and complete property improvements and program start-up activities necessary to establish a STRTP for pregnant and parenting teens.
The proposed program, known as Amari's Place, is designed to provide a safe and structured residential environment that combines housing, treatment, education, health care, and supportive services. The program will utilize a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach and provide 24-hour supervision to support the safety, stability, and well-being of participating youth.
The program will focus on helping pregnant and parenting teens address immediate housing and health needs while developing the skills, education, and support networks necessary to achieve long-term stability and independence.
Program Services
Leap for Joy Foundation proposes to provide the following core services:
Housing and Support Services: A structured residential environment with professional guidance, case management, and emotional support to promote stability and self-sufficiency.
Health Care Access: Assistance connecting participants to medical and behavioral health services, including prenatal care, postpartum care, and infant health education.
Education and Career Development: Support for high school completion, GED attainment, post-secondary education, vocational training, and employment preparation.
Parenting and Life Skills: Training and support related to infant care, parenting, budgeting, nutrition, healthy relationships, and other skills necessary for independent living.
Transition and Housing Support: Assistance in developing individualized transition plans and connecting participants to longer-term housing and supportive services upon completion of the program.
Anticipated Outcomes
The use of HHAP-4 funds for the proposed project is intended to:
Provide stable housing and supportive services to pregnant and parenting teens who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness; Improve maternal and infant health outcomes through increased access to coordinated health and supportive services; Support educational attainment, career development, and employment opportunities; Reduce the likelihood of repeat teen pregnancies through reproductive health education and supportive services; and Increase participants' ability to achieve long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.
The program is expected to operate year-round and will conduct structured evaluations on a quarterly basis. Leap for Joy Foundation anticipates collaborating with state and county social service agencies, Inland Empire Health Plan, nonprofit organizations, youth advisors, and educational institutions to coordinate services and support participant outcomes.
The program will be sustained through a direct contract between Leap for Joy Foundation and the California Department of Social Services. Transition plans would be developed in coordination with Olive Crest and other transitional housing providers in the Inland Empire to assist participants in accessing appropriate housing and supportive services following completion of the program.
Performance Measurement
Leap for Joy Foundation proposes to evaluate program effectiveness using measurable performance data, including:
Number of participants served;
Percentage of participants completing high school, GED, educational, or vocational programs; Employment and career-training outcomes;
Health outcomes following program participation;
Housing stability following program completion; and
Participant and parent feedback regarding program services and progress toward self-sufficiency.
The proposed evaluation approach is intended to provide measurable information regarding program participation, service outcomes, and progress toward long-term stability.
PROJECT BUDGET
Leap for Joy Foundation is requesting $1,283,000 in HHAP-4 grant funds to support property acquisition, rehabilitation, and program start-up costs as follows:
ACTIVITY
ESTIMATED COST
Residential purchase
$ 795,000
Home Renovations in accordance with STRTP Standards
$ 293,000
Staff salaries (CHWs, social workers, educators)
$ 150,000
Educational and vocational training resources
$ 15,000
Initial program supplies and equipment
$ 25,000
Operational costs (licensing)
$ 5,000
TOTAL
$1,283,000
If HHAP-4 grant funds are awarded, the City would place a 20-year covenant on the property to restrict its use in accordance with the City's funding requirements and provide that city of Riverside residents receive first priority for available program services.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
On September 10, 2026, Leap for Joy Foundation presented the proposed project to the University Neighborhood community. Fourteen residents attended the meeting, and the discussion focused on understanding community priorities, concerns, and expectations regarding the proposed program.
Residents raised questions and concerns regarding neighborhood safety and activity associated with existing programs, neighborhood stability, the safety and supervision of youth with histories of commercial sexual exploitation, and the availability of bilingual services.
In response to community feedback, Leap for Joy Foundation shared the following commitments:
24/7 Supervision and STRTP Compliance: Amari's Place will operate in accordance with applicable State requirements, including 24-hour staffing and established safety and supervision protocols.
Property Care and Neighborhood Pride: The property will be renovated, maintained, and cared for in a manner that contributes positively to the appearance and stability of the neighborhood.
Culturally Responsive Services: The program will provide bilingual English/Spanish services and culturally responsive support for youth and families.
Community Partnership: The organization will continue engaging with neighborhood residents and provide opportunities for community input throughout the development and implementation process.
Residents also expressed encouragement and appreciation for the proposed project and its potential to provide a needed resource for youth involved in the child welfare system.
Leap for Joy Foundation has committed to continued engagement with the University Neighborhood community through the following activities:
Attend monthly neighborhood association meetings;
Provide regular updates as the property acquisition and renovation process progresses; Host a community open house upon completion of renovations; and Continue engaging with immediate neighbors surrounding the property to build relationships, answer questions, and address concerns proactively.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact related to this staff report is $1,283,000. Funds are budgeted and available in the Development Grants Fund, HHAP-4 Grant Account No. 9347540-440210.
Prepared by: Michelle Davis, Housing and Human Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachment: Presentation
Leap for Joy Foundation Proposal for Amari’s Place ● Page 7