HUD Allocates $869K to Public Housing Authorities as Part of Foster Youth to Independence Initiative

HUD's Foster Youth to Independence initiative provides housing choice vouchers for vulnerable youth exiting foster care

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $869,000 in funding for 14 public housing authorities (PHAs) in 10 different states, totaling 86 vouchers. This funding opportunity is part of the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative, which addresses former foster youths experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Under the FYI initiative, housing vouchers will be provided to youth aged 18-24 (who have not reached their 25th birthday) leaving or who have left foster care within 90 days. The vouchers are non-competitive and awarded on a rolling basis. View all PHA awardees announced today here.

“The transition to adulthood is difficult to navigate on its own. We need to provide youth who have aged out of foster care with housing resources, otherwise we are leading them towards more struggles,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “Young people are the future of this country, and they deserve access to safe, healthy homes regardless of their circumstances.” 

The FYI initiative is a collaborative effort.  PHAs work in collaboration with public child welfare agencies (PCWAs) and other community organizations (serving this population) to provide a holistic approach to help the youth obtain self-sufficiency.

More information about eligibility requirements can be found in PIH Notice 2023-04. PHAs can submit a request using the PHA's Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Application Request Form.