In a proactive effort to fight youth homelessness, U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Mike Carey (R-OH) on May 29 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would streamline the federal Foster Youth to Independence program to bolster access to housing assistance for youth transitioning out of foster care.
Rep. Nunn sponsored the Housing Opportunities for Moving to Empowerment (HOME) for Foster Youth Act, H.R. 9072, alongside four original cosponsors, including Rep. Bacon, Rep. Carey, and U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH).
“Kelly and I adopted two of our daughters through foster care, so I’ve seen firsthand both the promise of the system and the consequences when it falls short,” Rep. Nunn said. “Today, there are housing vouchers sitting unused while far too many foster youth face homelessness — not because they aren’t eligible, but because outdated rules force many young people to become homeless before they can qualify for help.”
The congressman also pointed out that H.R. 9072 “doesn’t create a new program or spend another taxpayer dollar. It simply cuts through the bureaucracy so the housing assistance Congress already approved can reach the foster youth it was intended to serve.”
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) launched the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program to help foster youth secure stable housing as they transition into adulthood.
However, a HUD Office of Inspector General report found that only 31 percent of FYI vouchers are currently utilized due to inconsistent implementation and administrative barriers, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
“Every young person aging out of foster care deserves a fair chance to build a stable and independent life,” said Rep. Bacon. “The HOME for Foster Youth Act cuts through unnecessary administrative confusion so eligible foster youth can access housing vouchers without delay and take the next step toward self-sufficiency.”
The legislation would streamline the FYI voucher program by extending the voucher application window from 90 to 180 days before a youth exits foster care, and remove duplicative language requiring foster youth to already be homeless or at risk of homelessness to qualify for assistance.
Additionally, the bill would clarify that Education and Training Vouchers are excluded from income calculations for FYI voucher eligibility, and strengthen coordination between HUD and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve access to housing assistance for foster youth, the summary says.
“Access to housing is critical for foster youth who are transitioning into adulthood so that they can keep their focus on their education, careers, and independence,” Rep. Carey said. “Congressman Nunn’s HOME for Foster Youth Act removes barriers and improves coordination between HUD and HHS, ensuring that foster youth have better access to FYI vouchers that can help them obtain secure housing.”
The bill is supported by the National Foster Youth Institute, the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, the Foster SQUAD, the Selfless Love Foundation, and All4Ed.