Foster Youth Initiative Program

The Albany Housing Authority announces a limited waitlist opening for 25 project-based HCV vouchers. These vouchers are for any Youth that has or will be exiting Foster Care and is between the ages of 18 to 24. If you or someone you know that will be exiting Foster Care, please call the Albany Housing Authority for a referral. You can reach us at 229-435-4505 ext. 1044 or by email.

The Program:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year. The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare (NCHCW) estimates that approximately 25 percent of these young people experience homelessness within four years of leaving foster care, and an even higher share are precariously housed.

"No young person who grows up in foster care should experience homelessness once they set out on their own," said HUD Secretary Carson. "The foundation of a stable life is stable housing, and this initiative will allow local housing, working child welfare agencies, and homeless planners to focus this housing assistance to those young people who need it most."

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is an initiative to provide housing assistance and supportive services to at-risk young adults aging out of foster care.

Youth Eligibility:
The population eligible to be assisted with funding under this notice are youth certified by a PCWA as meeting the following conditions:

• Has attained at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age.
• 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 at age 16 or older.
• Is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless.

Eligible youth can voluntarily participate in several services offered by the AHA such as:

• Essential life skills information/counseling on money management, use of credit, housekeeping, proper nutrition/meal preparation, and access to health care (e.g., doctors, medication, and mental and behavioral health services).
• Counseling on compliance with rental lease requirements and with HCV program participant requirements, including assistance/referrals for assistance on security deposits, utility hook-up fees, and utility deposits.
• Providing such assurances to owners of rental property as are reasonable and necessary to assist a FUP-eligible youth in renting a unit with a voucher.
• Job preparation and attainment counseling (where to look/how to apply, dress, grooming, and relationships with supervisory personnel, etc.).
• Educational and career advancement and counseling regarding attainment of a general equivalency diploma (GED); attendance/financing of education at a technical school, trade school, or college; including strong work ethic and attitude models.

For more information, please contact Danita Wiggins at 229-434-4505 or by email.