Transition Living Preparation
Safe Housing and Support for Transition-Age Youth
Casa de Amparo’s Transitional Living Program (TLP) provides safe, stable, and developmentally appropriate housing for youth ages 18–21 experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The TLP supports healing, resilience, and transitions toward stability and long-term independence.
Building on 45 years of experience in trauma-informed services, the program is located on Casa de Amparo’s 11.4-acre campus in San Marcos and delivers a service-rich environment grounded in positive youth development and harm reduction.
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Program Services
Safe, Stable Housing
The TLP offers furnished apartment-style units with private kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Young women may reside in the program for up to 18 months, with possible extensions based on individual goals and program approval, ensuring they receive the stability needed to focus on education, wellness, and future goals.
Daily Case Management and Support
Participants receive individualized case management tailored to their needs, strengths, and personal goals. On-site staff provide consistent guidance, crisis support, and therapeutic presence.
Health and Wellness Services
The program includes access to on-site medical care through TrueCare, a Federally Qualified Health Center. Youth with complex health or social needs can also access behavioral health services, counseling, and Enhanced Care Management. All services are grounded in trauma-informed practices.
Life Skills and Readiness Training
The TLP emphasizes the development of core life skills essential for adulthood and long-term stability, including:
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Cooking, cleaning, and home management
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Budgeting and money management
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Transportation navigation skills and appointment management
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Obtaining and storing documents such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, medical reports, etc. prior to exit
Education and Employment Support
Participants receive support to complete high school or earn a GED, pursue higher education, and build job readiness skills. The program assists with job training, career planning, and employment placement.
Family and Relationship Support
Casa de Amparo incorporates family mediation, counseling, and healthy relationship-building into the program to support family stability and relational wellness. Family reunification support is voluntary and participant-driven, when appropriate and desired by the participant.
Outreach and Aftercare
The TLP engages in active street outreach to identify unsheltered youth in North County and link them to safe housing and services. Aftercare support is offered to help youth maintain stability after exiting the program.
Eligibility
The program serves transition-age youth who:
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Are female and between 18–21 years old
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Are experiencing homelessness or housing instability
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Have been asked to leave home, are couch-surfing, or lack a safe living environment
All services are offered at no cost to eligible participants. Eligibility is determined through an intake and assessment process.
Why Casa de Amparo
For over 45 years, Casa de Amparo has been a trusted leader in child and youth wellness, housing, and trauma-informed care in San Diego County. The organization’s programs are built on evidence-based practices, deep community partnerships, and a commitment to helping young people build healthy, stable futures.
A Campus Designed for Healing
The TLP is located at 325 Buena Creek Road on Casa de Amparo’s expansive 11.4-acre campus. This secure, peaceful setting features apartments, outdoor space, walking paths, and nearby access to medical care.
Because the apartments are owned and managed by Casa de Amparo, the program offers consistent access to housing without the barriers and uncertainties of the private rental market. The campus environment provides a therapeutic backdrop that promotes safety, well-being, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Learn More
For additional information about the Transitional Living Program or Casa de Amparo’s continuum of care, contact:
Call: 760-295-4600
Email: info@casadeamparo.org
**This program serves girls age 18-21. Casa de Amparo staff can help connect other individuals to appropriate community resources.
Casa de Amparo is committed to equal opportunity for all, without discrimination of any kind. Read our anti-discrimination policy here.