The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced revisions to its Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to offer rental assistance to 18- to 24-year-olds transitioning out of foster care who are at risk of homelessness.
Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expressed the department's commitment towards addressing youth homelessness, stating, "Every person in this country deserves a safe place to call home – especially young & vulnerable youth who are transitioning from foster care to independent living. HHS is committed to ending youth homelessness & increasing access to the resources needed to change lives."
An HHS news release reveals that approximately 20,000 youths exit the foster care system annually. A housing voucher program will be implemented to provide these individuals with rental assistance. Access to the FYI program can be facilitated by local public housing authorities or public child welfare agencies, which partner with child welfare organizations to help these transitioning youths enroll in the program.
Becerra further emphasized the importance of affordable housing and other essential services for these vulnerable individuals. He said, "Ensuring that affordable housing, and other critical services, are available is a big step in the right direction." He added that tackling homelessness requires understanding and addressing root causes such as housing affordability, substance use disorder, and mental health issues. "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ending youth homelessness, and we will continue to make it easier to access resources needed to change lives."
The news release also stated that recipients of runaway and homeless youth grants would benefit from the FYI program's referral process. The initiative aims not only at providing stability but also securing stable housing for this demographic.
Jeff Hild, Acting Assistant Secretary at Administration for Children and Families (ACF), underscored the necessity of stable housing for young people transitioning from foster care. He said, "(The) ACF believes that every young person deserves the dignity and security of stable housing, and this is especially true for youth transitioning from the foster care system. This guidance equips communities with critical knowledge and tools and will enhance partnerships to address the complex and unique needs of young people at risk of or who are experiencing homelessness."
