For many foster youth, transitioning from foster care presents a crossroads on the journey to the American dream.

In my work as a prosecutor in the juvenile courts and as a homicide detective, I saw firsthand the dire consequences for young men and women who did not receive support after leaving child services.

According to the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, of the more than 20,000 young Americans transitioning from foster care each year, an estimated 25% experience homelessness within four years. That’s why targeted support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is pivotal.

Established in 2019, HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence initiative (FYI) provides local public housing authorities funding to help young Americans transitioning from foster care avoid homelessness and build their lives as responsible adults. In July, we are celebrating the sixth anniversary of this important program, which has invested more than $5 million across the country since President Trump returned to the White House.

More than $540,000 of that total investment went to partners throughout New England to provide the tools and resources these new young adults need to obtain temporary housing, bridging the gap between foster care and independence.

Under HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s leadership, we’re making sure that foster youth can continue walking down the road toward self-sufficiency, live up to their full potential, and achieve their dreams.

Michael Banks
New England Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Arlington, Mass.