From college students to single parents to formerly homeless youth, we have helped every youth referred to us create a home.  

Make It Happen for Yolo County (MIH) serves under-resourced transition-age youth (ages 18–24) who are moving into independent living after lived experience in foster care, the juvenile justice system or experiences with homelessness. Our clients are referred to us by a wide network of trusted partners, including the UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program, Shores of Hope, EA Family Services, Yolo County Child Welfare, CASA, Yolo County Probation, and other local individuals and groups working with young adults.

Together with these partners, we ensure that young people have the support they need to take this critical step toward independence. Each youth completes a personalized “wish list” and is invited to our storage units to select the (over 100 essential) items that best fit their needs and preferences. We provide the basic items needed to furnish a small apartment, including living, dining, and bedroom furniture; mattresses and linens; kitchenware and appliances; and cleaning supplies.

Because transportation is often a barrier, our volunteers deliver items directly to each home. We also offer refurbished bicycles—along with helmets, locks, and lights—to support access to work, school, and appointments.

Not only do we try to save our clients money, but to give them a sense of support and agency.

Partner Organizations

• UC Davis Guardian Scholars Program

• Shores of Hope

• EA Family Services

• Yolo County Child Welfare Transition Age Youth Unit

• Yolo County CASA

• Yolo County Independent Living Skills Program

• Yolo County Probation

• iDream, the Mac Give Back Project

• Communicare Ole

• Martin Luther King Jr., Senior High School

• Yolo County Child Welfare Transition Age Youth Unit

SUPPORTERS

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Valente Foundation, Mikuni Foundation, Union Pacific Foundation, Robert and Joanne Andresen, Save Mart Cares Foundation, Davis Sunrise Rotary, Biberstein Social Action Fund, Soroptimist International of Davis, Davis Noon Rotary, Woodland Rotary, Teichert Foundation, Martha Bernauer, in addition to financial and furniture donations from many community members.

HISTORY

Make It Happen for Yolo County began informally in 2012, when our volunteers recognized that while transition age foster youth had resources for clothing, food, education and shelter, there was nothing in existence to help them furnish their homes. Through word of mouth, our volunteers began collecting used items in a garage to distribute to youth in need. In 2014, we became an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, received financial support from the Davis Rebekahs and rented our first storage unit. That year we helped 12 youth.  This year, in 2026, we are proud to be entering our 12th year and continue to be unique in Yolo County with the services we offer. Since our beginning, we have served well over 350 Yolo County transition age youth.

About Us

MIH Executive Director

Cathi Schmidt

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