First Lady Melania Trump has secured a $25 million investment in President Trump's fiscal year 2026 budget to support youth transitioning out of foster care. The funding, allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will be directed towards the Foster Youth to Independence program (FYI).
"I am proud to have successfully secured $25 million to provide housing for individuals aging out of foster care. This is another essential measure that ensures the safety, welfare, and autonomy of those in the foster community," stated First Lady Melania Trump.
She added, "Secretary Scott Turner’s commitment will provide thousands of youth transitioning out of the foster care system with dedicated rental assistance and other supportive services to promote stability and self-sufficiency."
HUD Secretary Scott Turner praised the initiative: "This dedicated funding for foster youth is a game changer in providing young adults with access to short-term housing assistance and supportive services, which will prevent homelessness. I am so appreciative of the First Lady’s efforts, for her commitment to helping our Nation’s foster youth through her BE BEST initiative and for championing public-private partnerships that are changing lives every day."
Melania Trump has actively supported the foster care community through Fostering the Future, part of her BE BEST initiative. The announcement coincides with National Foster Care Month and underscores her commitment to children's well-being.
The FYI program provides housing assistance to eligible individuals under 25 who are leaving foster care. It aims to prevent homelessness while fostering education, employment, and independence.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that over 20,000 young people transition out of foster care annually, many facing housing insecurity or homelessness. This support offers a crucial safety net during this pivotal period.
BE BEST was launched by Mrs. Trump in 2018 with a focus on promoting children's well-being and supporting foster youth through initiatives like Fostering the Future.
