The Seattle Housing Authority has received funding to aid 75 additional youth who have been in foster care. The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) vouchers will serve young people who have aged out or are aging out of the foster care system, are 18-24 years old and are at extreme risk of homelessness. Many young people exiting the foster care system are at very high risk of homelessness. With the special Housing Choice Vouchers, these young adults receive subsidy for housing either in the private rental market or with a nonprofit housing provider. 

Washington State has about 8,000 children and youth in foster care. The need is great to assist those at risk of homelessness as they turn 18 to ensure they have safe, stable housing instead of leaving foster care for life on the streets. The Seattle Housing Authority is partnering with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) on the FYI program to help prevent and end homelessness among youth with a current or prior history of child welfare involvement. In addition to DCYF, the Seattle Housing Authority is partnering with the YMCA of Greater Seattle to provide case management support and the Raikes Foundation to serve as a strategic advisor on best practices in serving youth and young adults as an aligned community.