What’s Stopping California From Maximizing Federal Housing Assistance for Youth?

This report analyzes the status of federal Housing Choice Vouchers for former foster youth in California, made available through the Family Unification Program (FUP) and the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative.

The report summarizes findings from a survey of county child welfare agencies which show the number of FYI/FUP vouchers for youth in California has increased approximately 54%, from 870 in 2021 to more than 1,300 in 2023. 

FYI/FUP vouchers are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to Public Housing Authorities which partner with Public Child Welfare Agencies. Eligible youth have left foster care or will leave within 90 days and are between ages 18-24 at the time of voucher issuance.

FYI vouchers are administered by HUD on an “on-demand” basis, with the goal of no youth leaving foster care to homelessness. These federal resources have historically been underutilized nationwide.