LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) – In a time of rising homelessness in Pennsylvania and across the nation, organizations in Lancaster are looking to make a difference for young adults.

The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher program provides rental assistance to Lancaster County and City young adults, who are exiting foster care and are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.

"We can get people off the streets, right into the homes and be able to help them develop those skills," Deb Jones with the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities said.

It's a collaboration between the County's Housing Authority, the City's Housing Authority, Lancaster County Children and Youth and the County's Homelessness Coalition.

"It's initially for 36 months," the Housing and Redevelopment Authorities' Audrey Steinmetz said. "The tenant pays between 30 and 40% of their income towards their rent and utilities."

Then if the person meets the criteria of being involved in supportive services, they get an additional two years of assistance according to Steinmetz.

"Supportive services are anything from furthering their education, to finding employment or building life skills," Steinmetz said.

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To be eligible for FYI, someone must meet all of the qualifications. Those include being at least 18 years old and being under 25, have left or will be leaving foster care within 90 days, and the person must've been homeless or at-risk of homelessness at age 16 or older.

"Based on current data, we have about 48 individuals in this age range who are experiencing homelessness," Jones said.

Jones brought up the current housing crisis happening in Lancaster County. That's making it more difficult for young adults on their own.

"Can you imagine how even more challenging it is for someone who is 18 or 19 years old, just adulting for the very first time and being able to find a place," Jones said.

Steinmetz says four people have applied for the voucher. Three of them went through the county and one through the city.

Those in foster care who are soon graduating should contact their case worker about applying.