Aging Out of Foster Care? Housing Help May Be Waiting for Young Adults

What the Foster Youth to Independence program is for

If you or a young person you know is leaving foster care, finding stable housing can feel impossible. The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) helps with that.

The program provides rental assistance to young people who have aged out of, or are about to age out of, foster care. The goal is simple: help them find a place to live and avoid becoming homeless.

HUD is now gathering feedback to make the program work better. That tells you the program is active and being improved, which matters if you are close to someone who could use it.

Why HUD is asking for feedback right now

On October 30, 2026, HUD published a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register. HUD wants ideas from the public and from groups that work with foster youth.

HUD says it will use this input to make recommendations to Congress. The focus is on three things: improving how the program runs, helping youth search for housing, and preventing a return to homelessness after the rental help ends.

This is your chance to be heard. Social workers, former foster youth, families, and community groups can all share what they know.

The deadline to comment and how to speak up

Comments are due on or before December 14, 2026. HUD says late comments will be considered to the extent practicable, but it is best to send yours by the deadline.

You can comment for free online through the official federal comment system. There is no fee and no middleman needed.

If you work with young people leaving foster care, your real-world experience could shape how this program helps the next person.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FYI program itself free to use?

Yes. Housing assistance programs run by HUD are free to apply for. You should never pay a fee to a middleman to access them. Ask your local public housing agency for help.

Who should comment on this HUD notice?

Anyone with useful input: former foster youth, social workers, families, and community organizations. The comment system is free and open to the public.

What is the deadline to comment?

HUD requests comments on or before December 14, 2026. Late comments may be considered but it is safest to submit by that date.

Does commenting get me into the program?

No. The Request for Information collects ideas to improve the program. To apply for housing help, contact your local public housing agency or former caseworker.