Virtual Policy Update: Despite Federal Cuts, FYI Voucher Funding Preserved with Youth-Centered Reforms

John Burton Advocates for Youth and Youth Law Center hosted a virtual policy update for California stakeholders on the federal Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher program, joined by a representative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) San Francisco’s Field Office.

Amid enacted and proposed cuts to many parts of the social safety net by the White House and Congress, the FYI program stands out as a rare example of stable federal commitment to addressing homelessness among former foster youth. FYI received level funding of $25 million in fiscal year 2025, and is slated for the same amount in 2026.

The FYI program, along with its counterpart—the Family Unification Program (FUP)—provides Housing Choice Vouchers (rental subsidies) to transitioning and former foster youth ages 18-24, coupled with supportive services for three years, with the option to extend to five. In California, more than half of all housing slots available for this population are provided through FYI/FUP.

The webinar provided information about the ongoing availability of FYI/FUP, in addition to new guidance from HUD to Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in April 2025, introducing youth-centered reforms to improve access and flexibility. These changes include extended time limits on FYI/FUP referrals and housing searches, and permission for PHAs to adopt a separate waitlist for FYI/FUP.