The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is marking the sixth anniversary of its Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative, a program designed to support young people transitioning out of foster care. HUD Southwest Regional Administrator Ashlea Quinonez highlighted the program’s progress in Texas and across the country.
Quinonez stated, "[HUD] has delivered more than $5 million in investment nationwide since President Trump returned to the White House. Nearly $250,000 of that investment went to Texas foster youth, providing them with stable temporary housing and supportive services as they build their futures."
Each year, over 20,000 young Americans leave foster care, often facing uncertain futures without stable housing or support systems. According to Quinonez, about a quarter of these individuals become homeless soon after exiting the system. The FYI initiative was launched by HUD in 2019 to address this issue by offering funding through local public housing authorities for rental assistance and services such as skills training and job preparation.
Quinonez described HUD’s commitment: "HUD’s investment in foster youth is equipping them with tools for success so they can enjoy housing stability, dignity, and independence."
She also noted her personal experience with the program's impact: "As HUD’s Southwest Regional Administrator, I have witnessed firsthand the impact HUD has made on these young people’s lives. They are resilient, ambitious, and full of promise-and they can thrive if given a chance."
Under Secretary Scott Turner’s leadership, Quinonez emphasized that HUD will continue its efforts: "At HUD, we’re investing in more than housing, we’re investing in foster youths’ futures. We are committed to working with local communities to ensure foster youths are empowered, not forgotten. Under the leadership of HUD Secretary Scott Turner, we remain steadfast in ensuring that foster youth are not left to navigate this tough transition period alone. We will continue to support them so they can not only survive but thrive."
