Texas Foster Youth to Independence Program

This information was sent out on November 18, 2025 by the Children’s Commission.

The Texas Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Program is a new statewide partnership between Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) that expands access to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing vouchers for youth in the FYI program across Texas. Eligible young people in foster care can receive rental assistance and access voluntary supportive services to achieve stable housing and independence. Please see additional information and details below.

Eligibility

Youth must:

• Apply up to 180 days prior to their 18th birthday (voucher cannot be issued until age 18).
• Be 18 to 24 years of age.
• Have exited foster care or be transitioning out of care in the next 90 days.
• Be homeless or at risk of homelessness.

How to Apply (Referral Process)

Make a referral to the DFPS or Single Source Continuum Contractor (SSCC) housing liaison serving the youth’s preferred area to live (contact information for liaisons is linked below). The DFPS or SSCC liaison verifies foster care status and initiates the FYI application in TDHCA’s system. Youth are connected with voluntary support service providers (housing liaisons or approved providers) to help with documentation, applications, and housing preparation.

Current Status & Key Details

• Brand-new partnership: the first applicant was housed and additional referrals are in progress.
• Capacity: Public Housing Authorities (PHA) can request up to 50 non-competitive FYI vouchers each fiscal year (initially up to 25, with an option to request 25 more).
• Support: services are offered voluntarily by housing liaisons or their approved providers (e.g., housing search, move-in coordination, case management).
• Estimated timeline: approximately 4 to 8 months from the initial referral to signing a lease, depending on local housing availability.

Contact

Refer directly to the SSCC housing liaison in the youth’s preferred area. A directory of Regional Youth Housing Liaisons is available on the DFPS Transitional Living Services webpage.