More than 1,000 Former Foster Youth Are Paving Their Own Way with a FYI Voucher
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson today announced $1.9 million for 235 former foster youth in the most recent round of grants for HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative. Forty-three Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in 24 states will receive this funding to continue HUD’s efforts to assist young adults transitioning out of foster care. See impact of local funding announced today.
“Today, I am pleased to announce the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative has changed the lives of more than 1,000 young adults by helping them secure a place to call home,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “These young people are powerful change-agents, making contributions that will propel our Nation forward. This additional funding demonstrates our commitment to opening the door for former foster youth at risk of homelessness so they can unlock their full potential.”
Since the initiative was launched in June of 2019, 34 states and 107 Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) have received FYI funding, totaling over $8.6 million in funds to prevent or end homelessness among young adults under the age of 25 who are in, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to.
Background:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year. The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare (NCHCW) estimates that approximately 25% of these young people experience homelessness within four years of leaving foster care and an even higher share are precariously housed. To be eligible for FYI funding, public housing authorities must:
- Administer a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program;
- Enter into a partnership agreement with a Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA);
- Accept young people referred by their partnering PCWA; and
- Determine that the referred youth are eligible for HCV assistance.
View the One Year Anniversary video of the FYI program here.
View FYI videos and testimonials on Secretary Carson’s Twitter here and on HUD’s website here.