20,000 safe nights: the Sacramento campus where young people leaving foster care get a door of their own

Two years after its first student moved in on October 2, 2024, AcademySTAY in Sacramento, California has passed 20,000 safe nights — one night of stable housing for one young person, counted 20,000 times. The nonprofit houses young adults aged 18 to 24 who have aged out of foster care: 92 have lived there so far, 50 live on campus today, and 16 have already graduated from college, a certificate or a trade programme while living there. Students get furnished apartments plus an on-site licensed clinical social worker and a staff team focused on independent life. 'A safe night means I can sleep knowing I'm in a stable environment as I start my journey,' said student Johnny Hieu. 'Without a doubt, I wouldn't be thriving without the support.'

SDG 11 · Sustainable cities and communities — Mechanism: institutional program