The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a funding initiative amounting to $1.3 million aimed at preventing homelessness among young adults transitioning out of foster care. This financial support will be distributed across 21 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in 15 states, focusing on individuals under the age of 25 who have either left or are leaving foster care.
This initiative is part of the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program, which seeks to provide housing stability for vulnerable youth. HUD Agency Head, The Honorable Adrianne Todman, emphasized the importance of this effort: “Youth transitioning out of foster care need housing stability and access to affordable homes,” she stated. “With the funding announced today, HUD and local agencies will keep our most vulnerable youth off the streets and in stable environments where they can thrive.”
The FYI program aims to address the challenges faced by young people leaving foster care, a period often marked by uncertainty and an increased risk of homelessness. The funds are intended to bridge gaps in housing assistance availability, supporting federal goals to prevent and end youth homelessness. This includes providing education, counseling, and supportive services for young adults aged 18 to 25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Through partnerships with Public Child Welfare Agencies, FYI extends Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance to PHAs. Richard Monocchio, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, highlighted HUD's commitment: “Our goal is to expand access to safe and healthy homes where foster youth can transition to independent living,” he said. “HUD values its partnerships with Public Housing Agencies and Public Child Welfare Agencies where, through programs like FYI, foster youth can be given the support they need to create bright, stable futures.”
Since its establishment by Congress in 2019 following youth advocacy efforts, the FYI program has facilitated PHAs in serving eligible young adults from foster care backgrounds. Currently administering 5,344 vouchers across 312 PHAs nationwide, additional on-demand assistance remains available under PIH Notice 2023-04. This notice allocated $30 million for eligible youth referrals through partnering PCWAs.
A detailed list of PHAs receiving funding includes agencies from California's County of Sacramento Housing Authority receiving $395,715 down to West Virginia's Fairmont/Morgantown Housing Authority with $27,084.
