Consider becoming a Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) partner.
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative makes Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance available to Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs).
Under FYI, PHAs provide housing assistance on behalf of:
- Youth at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age (have not reached their 25th birthday)
- Youth who left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act
- Youth who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.
As required by statute, an FYI voucher issued to such a youth may only be used to provide housing assistance for the youth for a maximum of 36 months unless the youth meets the requirements to receive an extension of assistance under the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) amendments. FSHO provides an FYI youth an extension of the 36-month time limit for up to an additional 24 months if they meet certain requirements. In addition to providing up to 36 months of rental assistance, the PCWA must provide or secure the youth supportive services to assist the young person on their path to self-sufficiency.
Take Action Now
To date, DFPS has secured over 40 FYI partnerships across the state with around 400 effective vouchers. We are Interested in expanding the FYI program in your area. Are you ready to provide this opportunity to help transition aged youth/young adults with foster care involvement secure safe and affordable housing? This is a simple process that will have minimal impact on your current workload.
The Family Unification Program (FUP)
The Family Unification Program (FUP) is another voucher program offered by HUD. The PHAs administer the FUP in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs) who are responsible for referring FUP families and youths to the PHA for determination of eligibility for rental assistance.
In addition to rental assistance, the PCWA must provide or secure the provision of supportive services to FUP youth for the amount of time required in the Notice of Funding Availability/Opportunity (NOFA/O) under which the vouchers were awarded (i.e., typically 18 months or 36 months). Examples of the skills targeted by these services include money management skills, job preparation, educational counseling, and proper nutrition and meal preparation.
DFPS is also available to discuss and partner with PHAs interested in the FUP program. Visit the HUD FUP page to learn more about the program.
Contact the DFPS State Office Housing Program Specialist to discuss the possibilities.