The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a $10 million provision to 13 public housing authorities to assist foster children at risk of homelessness or who are already homeless. The initiative, led by HUD's Family Unification Program (FUP), aims to provide 625 vouchers and enhance collaboration between parties involved in receiving the grant. It also seeks to increase access to supportive services for those in need.

According to a HUD news release, FUP will spearhead efforts to offer housing vouchers to families at risk of homelessness due to inadequate housing, as well as those who have exited foster care within the first 90 days, specifically individuals aged 18 to 24.

"Keeping youth and families off the streets is essential to our efforts to reduce and ultimately end homelessness," said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. "This funding will help our local partners aid youth and allow families to get into more permanent and stable housing. HUD is committed to ending homelessness, and this funding and partnership help us continue that critical part of our mission."

In another statement from the HUD news release, it was noted that public housing authorities will collaborate with public child welfare agencies responsible for recommending FUP families and youths for eligibility for rental assistance. The FUP vouchers extended to youths at risk of being homeless will have a time period of 36 months to meet conditions for an extension of their voucher assistance under the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) amendments. There is no time limit for families on meeting requirements on FUP vouchers.

Among the largest recipients of these vouchers are Santa Clara County Housing Authority, Sonoma County Housing Authority, and the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego. According to the release, they will receive over $1.7 million, over $1.1 million, and over $1.1 million in funding respectively.