What services are available?

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made specific vouchers available for youth in foster care, called the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative. These vouchers are available on demand and allow priority to be given to youth in foster care who are eligible for help. These vouchers are available for 36 months.

To find out if vouchers are available through the Public Housing Authority in your county, please refer to housing voucher state map. Keep in mind that vouchers are also portable, so even if a voucher is not available in your county help may still be available.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for a HUD voucher if you:

• Are between the ages of 18-24
• Left foster care at age 16 OR you are still in care and will be exiting to independence within the next 90 day
• Make less than 30% of the median family income for your area each year (as determined by HUD)

NOTE: If you are pregnant or parenting, you may still be eligible as long as you do not have an open child welfare case.

How do I get help?

You will need to be referred for help through the Coordinated Entry System (CES). Please reach out to a Coordination Entry contact in your area to get started.

Once you are referred, the CES agency will work with you to complete a pre-screening tool and connect you to the appropriate housing services. If you get a voucher, you will also receive supportive life skills services.