Independent Youth Housing Program provides rental assistance, related housing costs, and case management to young adults, ages 18-24, who have been a dependent of the state or federally recognized tribal foster care system prior to age 18. Eligibility requires the young adult does not exceed the very low income limits for their county.
- Young adults may remain in the program while earning more than the income limits if they participate in a supervised saving plan.
- Extended Foster Care stipends are counted as income.
- Priority is given to young adults who have been dependents of the state or tribe for at least one year.
The Department of Commerce’s Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) contracts with local community-based agencies to provide a variety of services to youth and young adults, including outreach services, emergency shelter, and other housing assistance through the Young Adult Housing Program or Rapid Re-Housing.
Who is administering this program?
This program is administered by the Department of Commerce. See a full list of programs available in your area.
What are the program goals?
- To make sure that all youth aging out of the foster care system in Washington State have access to a safe and affordable place to live so that they will not experience homelessness.
- Help prepare foster youth to become independent and self-sufficient so that over time they will be less dependent on state assistance.
Who is eligible?
Foster youth who meet the following criteria:
- 18 years of age or older
- Was a dependent of the state of Washington under Chapter 13.34 RCW before they turned 18
- Have not yet reached the age of 25
What services are offered?
Youth may receive the following services:
- Rental assistance and associated housing costs
- Finding and maintaining housing
- Utility payments (gas and electricity)
- Move-in costs (such as application fees, first-and-last-month’s rent, security deposits, etc.)
Do you have questions?
Contact: dcyf.housing@dcyf.wa.gov or YouthHomeless@commerce.wa.gov
Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Homeless Youth (OHY)