What is the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative?

Answer

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative provides Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher assistance and supportive services to at-risk young adults aging out of foster care. The HUD initiative aims to prevent homelessness in young adults aged 18 to 25 who have exited the foster care system, and do not have a home.

As of August, 2020, a total of 674 FYI Vouchers have been distributed among the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

The FYI initiative was announced in July 2019 as a result of a meeting between HUD Secretary Ben Carson and the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) Coalition led by ACTION Ohio and the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare.

Details on eligibility and policy procedures for the FYI initiative were issued by HUD in Notice PIH 2019-20(HA). Contact a housing authority, and ask if it offers Foster Youth to Independence Initiative Vouchers.

More Section 8 FAQs from Low Income Households

  • Can I be evicted if my HUD apartment is sold?
  • How Much Are Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers Worth
  • What is Section 8?
  • How do I check my status on a waiting list?
  • Does a Housing Choice Voucher pay for utilities?