Bay Area County Launches New Program Aimed At Preventing Youth Homelessness

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The County of Marin and a local nonprofit will launch a new project in July to help prevent youth homelessness by providing transitional housing, officials said.

Marin County Health and Human Services, Catholic Charities and community partners have launched the TAY Bridge Project, a transitional housing initiative addressing youth homelessness.

“This is prevention at its best,” said Dr. Lisa Warhuus, director of Marin HHS. “Every young person we help now is one less individual who may fall into chronic homelessness later. That saves lives—and it saves the county millions.”

The average chronically homeless individual costs taxpayers over $40,000 annually in emergency services, Marin County officials said. The TAY Bridge Project utilizes the proven Transitional Housing-Rapid Rehousing model, providing a structured path to independence, officials said.

“For many young people, homelessness is not just about losing housing—it’s about losing hope,” said Dr. Ellen Hammerle, Catholic Charities CEO. “The CCSF St. Vincent’s TAY Bridge Project offers both a place to stay and a path forward with renewed hope. We are proud to lead this effort with dedicated partners like HHS—centered on compassion, stability, and self-sufficiency.”

The TAY Bridge Project reflects Marin’s broader shift toward equity and early intervention, officials said.

“This initiative aligns with HHS’ Strategic Plan to deliver place-based support services in the community across all ages,” said Niccore Tyler, Marin HHS chief assistant director and chief strategy officer. “Under the ‘Community Conditions’ pillar of the plan, we’re committed to meeting people where they are—and this project does just that for our youth.”