News  Massachusetts Awarded $1M to Support Young People Transitioning Out of Foster Care

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced that Massachusetts has been awarded 52 Foster Youth to Independence vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These critical vouchers, valued at approximately $1 million annually, will help young adults find stable housing.

“One of the most important ways to set a young person up for future success is to make sure they have safe and stable housing,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These vouchers will help ensure that young adults at risk of homelessness, including those who have recently left the foster care system, have a roof over their head so that they can focus on their career or education. We’re grateful for the Biden-Harris Administration for awarding these vouchers to Massachusetts, where we will use them to make a difference in the lives of dozens of young people.”

Effective Dec. 1, 2024, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in conjunction with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services will administer the vouchers and begin providing stable housing assistance for young adults. Eligible young adults are between 18 and 24 years of age, have left foster care or will leave foster care within 90 days and are experiencing homelessness or are 16 years old or older and at risk of becoming homeless.

EOHLC’s vouchers will provide rental assistance to eligible youths for generally up to 36 months and EOHHS will provide services to help search for housing, job preparation and educational and career advancement counseling. Safe and stable housing is essential to maintaining a job, furthering educational opportunities and developing positive and healthy communities.

“We know that the transition out of foster care can be daunting, and many young people struggle to find safe and affordable housing. But help is available,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These vouchers will be a lifeline for these young people as they prepare to live on their own and contribute to our economy.”

“Every young person deserves a safe, stable and affordable home,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is tapping into every resource available to expand our efforts to support young people aging out of foster care and these critical vouchers will set 52 young people on a path to self-sufficiency.” 

“A safe place to call home allows for a healthy starting point and we know it’s going to take all of us to ensure our young people have what they need to thrive,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “These vouchers show we are committed to helping young people move from foster care and into their own homes and is a promise that we will continue to connect them with the resources necessary to becoming empowered, independent, and successful adults.”

“These vouchers reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every young person, especially those transitioning from foster care, have the opportunity to build a secure and stable future,” said HUD New England Regional Administrator Juana B. Matias. “With this critical funding, the state of Massachusetts is better equipped to provide vulnerable youths with the housing stability and support services they need to not only survive but thrive, breaking the cycle of homelessness and empowering them to achieve lasting independence.”

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