The United States Department of  Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of Cedar Rapids are joining forces on a new program to assist young people aging out of foster care, that are on the verge of falling into homelessness.

The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative is designed to provide vouchers for local public housing authorities to distribute to young adults under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to.

Regional HUD administrator Jason Mohr says

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges for youth aging out of foster care,” said Regional Administrator Jason Mohr.  “Providing a stable home through the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative will lead to many more opportunities in their lives

Housing authorities must qualify by partnering with local child welfare agencies. Those who qualify to obtain the vouchers will be allowed 25 of them to distribute per fiscal year for young adults age 18-24 and the vouchers will be valid for 36 months.

The HUD website explains more here.

 

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