The Foster Care Housing Program provides access to housing vouchers, rental assistance, housing navigation, and case management for young people ages 18 to 24 who have recently left foster care or plan to leave foster care within 90 days of signing a lease agreement. To be eligible young people must have been in foster care after their 16th birthday.
Services are provided by community-based organizations under contract with DCYF. The goal of the FCHP is to create successful transitions into adulthood by ensuring housing stability upon a young person’s exit from foster care. These services are provided in conjunction with federal housing vouchers provided by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) via the Foster Youth to Independence Program (FYI). Young people eligible for FCHP assistance may also be eligible for a voucher, however, additional PHA restrictions may apply. FCHP providers can assist families in applying for a housing voucher, where available.
Referrals may be made by the young person themselves or any adult supporting them in their transition from foster care.