The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $15.4 million in funding for programs supporting young Americans transitioning out of foster care who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The funding, distributed through the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program and non-competitive funds, aims to prevent youth homelessness, address inequities affecting underserved communities, and help reduce unsheltered homelessness.
“These investments are the cornerstone of shielding youth from the risk of homelessness,” said HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “One of our main commitments to transitioning foster youth to independence is to provide them with a stable environment.”
Transitioning out of foster care often brings uncertainty and instability, increasing the risk of homelessness among young people. The newly awarded funds will help communities nationwide address gaps in housing assistance availability for these young adults, support federal goals to end youth homelessness, and set them on a path to self-sufficiency through education, counseling, and supportive services. This initiative targets young adults aged 18 to 25 who have left or are transitioning out of foster care.
The FYI program will allocate $12.5 million to 21 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) for young adults under 25 years old who have left or are transitioning out of foster care. Additionally, $2.7 million will be awarded to 25 PHAs distributing 168 FYI housing assistance vouchers in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs).
FYI also provides Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance through partnerships between PHAs and PCWAs, expanding access to stable housing for former foster care youths. Richard J. Monocchio, HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, made the announcement in Lansing, MI.
“Our commitment to keeping youth off the streets starts with providing safe and healthy homes where they can transition to independent living,” said Monocchio. “Through programs like FYI and by partnering with Public Housing Agencies and Public Child Welfare Agencies, HUD is best able to support youth who have been in foster care and create a pathway to stable homes and solid futures.”
Established by Congress in 2019 following youth advocacy efforts, the FYI program allows all PHAs to serve eligible young adults from foster care within their communities. Currently, there are 5,422 FYI vouchers administered by 318 PHAs across the country. Additional on-demand FYI assistance remains available under PIH Notice 2023-04 which made $30 million accessible for PHAs as eligible youths were identified through their partnering PCWA.
To date under this notice, HUD has awarded more than $15 million for a total of 1,389 vouchers.
