The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative makes Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance available to Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in partnership with Public Child Welfare Agencies (PCWAs).

The Lake Wales PHA currently works in cooperation with the Heartland for Children PCWA in the management of 25 HCVs.

Under FYI, PHAs provide housing assistance on behalf of:

• Youth at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age (have not reached their 25th birthday)
• Who left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act, and
• Are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.

As required by statute, an FYI voucher issued to such a youth may only be used to provide housing assistance for the youth for a maximum of 36 months unless the youth meets the requirements to receive an extension of assistance under the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) amendments.

FSHO provides an FYI youth an extension of the 36-month time limit for up to an additional 24 months if they meet certain requirements.

In addition to providing up to 36 months of rental assistance, the PCWA must provide or secure the youth supportive services to assist the young person on their path to self-sufficiency.

Contact Heartland for Children @ (863) 519-8900 for more information.