GIVE NOWNEW PARTICIPANTCURRENT PARTICIPANTSUBSCRIBEJOIN THE JIT NETWORK

GIVE NOWNEW PARTICIPANTSUBSCRIBEJOIN THE JIT NETWORK

BASIC NEEDS &

FURNISHING

BASIC NEEDS

When life throws you a curveball, we’re here to help! Our Basic Needs resource is all about having your back when things don’t go as planned. Whether you need food cards, gas cards, or help with rental assistance, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to make sure you get the support you need to move forward!
 
If you are currently on your way to self-sufficiency but are facing some barriers and challenges to accomplish that, we are here to support you.
To participate in Basic Needs, you must: 
  • Be a former/current foster youth between the ages of 18-26 
  • Be living in San Diego County 
  • Demonstrate productivity, such as working and/or going to school, OR actively making strides toward doing so 
  • Please be advised that multiple Basic Needs requests within 12 months will require additional conversations that support the movement from consistent emergency mode towards stability and self-sufficiency (Hand up, not a handout)
  • Commit to taking ownership in creating positive experiences in your life  
If you’d like support, please email us at basicneeds@jitfosteryouth.org with a short description of what challenge you’re facing and what you hope this support will help you accomplish.  (Please include your first and last name, and date of birth) 
 
To explore other community resources that might be able to support, please visit JITConnect

How Does It Work?

Basic Needs provides resources and emergency financial assistance so that youth can focus their energy on moving forward. Some examples of Basic Needs assists include: rent/utilities assistance, auto repair/insurance/registration help, bus/trolley passes, food cards, medical/dental assistance, professional clothing, and help with bills.

We also connect youth with resources, mentors, and workshops that will help them get back on their feet, avoid debilitating stress and unhealthy habits, and encourage self-confidence and self-sufficiency.

Requirements

To qualify for Basic Needs, you must be:

  • A current or former foster youth
  • Between the ages 18-26
  • Currently living in San Diego County
  • Demonstrate engagement/involvement with our other empowering services
  • Working and/or attending school or have concrete plans to do so

How Do I Join?

Youth Services staff will contact applicants within 72 hours of receiving a request, and will personally meet applicants, identify and assess needs, and assist with purchasing the essentials to resolve the immediate financial emergency. Other staff and volunteers also provide one-on-one advice to participants by sitting down and outlining a budget and financial plan. Applicants are required to return a receipt within 10 days of receiving a resource.

Apply for Basic Needs in the JIT Application Hub here.

Please be sure to email us for urgent requests or if you need help applying: basicneeds@jitfosteryouth.org.
For immediate additional resources please visit JITConnect.

 

FURNISHINGS

Having a place you can call home is fundamental to creating your foundation for success. It’s not just finding housing. It’s having a safe, comfortable, reliable environment you can be proud of because you get everything you need, from bedroom furnishings to kitchen forks, with an assist from our community of volunteers.  

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How Does It Work?

“The My First Home service supports participants with stable housing in San Diego County turn their new place into a comfortable and welcoming home. Through this service, you’ll receive essential home furnishings and household items—plus support from caring community volunteers who will be there to help you plan your space, choose items, and move them into your home.

We host Monthly Group Shopping Days at the JIT Distribution Center, typically on the second Saturday of each month, where participants are paired with volunteers who offer one-on-one support throughout the experience. Together, you’ll select from a wide range of new and gently used furnishings and household goods donated by generous community members across the county.

Requirements

To participate in My First Home, we require the following eligibility documents to verify current, stable housing:

  • Current Rental Lease Agreement – must include both your signature and your landlord’s signature.
    If you are in a housing program and do not have access to your lease, please ask your case manager for a copy — it is your right to have one.
  • Verification of Employment – Submit your two most recent pay stubs
  • And/Or Verification of School Enrollment – Submit your current class schedule and financial aid award letter.

How Do I Join?

My First Home shopping days are typically held one to two times a month and youth can sign up at any time. We also accept referrals from trusted sources including San Diego County Child Welfare Services, independent living skills providers, programs specializing in housing such as the HOME Program, and many other organizations and agencies in San Diego serving current and former foster youth.

Apply for My First Home in the JIT Application Hub here.

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