Rental assistance program for former foster children comes to Lancaster County
A recently launched voucher program in Lancaster County offers rental assistance to young people ages 18 to 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who have left foster care or will leave it within 90 days.
The Foster Youth to Independence voucher program is federally funded with $30 million through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to Lancaster County Housing Authority director Audrey Steinmetz. Up to 25 vouchers are currently available for Lancaster County.
The program was launched locally by the Lancaster County Housing Authority in partnership with the Lancaster County Children and Youth Social Service Agency, the Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition, and the Lancaster City Housing Authority.
Advocates and providers can refer eligible youth to the program by contacting Tyeshia Brooks of the Lancaster County Children and Youth Social Service Agency at 717-299-7925. Referral is the only way to access the program, according to Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities spokesperson Jocelynn Naples, and vouchers will be awarded as referrals are received.
Program participants will be able to receive rental assistance for three to five years, and will be connected to services like life skills counseling, mental health services, money management, educational counseling and job preparation, according to the Lancaster County Housing & Redevelopment Authorities.
"This innovative collaboration will offer both housing assistance and supportive systems to help individuals transitioning out of the foster care system in our county establish a solid foundation for their future," said Barbara Ellis Wilson, executive director of the Lancaster City Housing Authority.
Four people have been referred to Lancaster County Housing Authority and Lancaster City Housing Authority for the program so far, and vouchers should arrive in two to three weeks, Steinmetz said. These four individuals will be the first ever to use the program in Lancaster County, Naples said.
