DENVER (May 22, 2024) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is rolling out a new program that provides rental assistance in the form of housing vouchers to 100 former foster care youth. This state-funded rental assistance program will prevent former foster youth from experiencing homelessness during their transition from foster care to independence. In 2021, Colorado’s National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) reported that 36% of 21-year-olds who have left foster care reported being homeless in the previous two years. Housing insecurity is consistently cited as one of the most significant issues for youth who were previously in foster care as they transition to adulthood.
Last summer, the Fostering Success Housing Voucher Program (Senate Bill 23-082) was signed into law. The housing voucher program has created 100 vouchers for eligible recipients to use to offset housing costs. CDHS and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs administer this housing voucher program.
“With these housing vouchers, we believe we can prevent many former foster youth from experiencing homelessness,” said Mollie Bradlee, interim director of CDHS’s Office of Children, Youth, and Families. “The best way to end youth homelessness is to prevent an episode of homelessness before it begins. Appropriate housing resources and supportive services are proven solutions — and this program will provide both.”
Eligible youth include those who are ages 18 through 25, were in foster care on or after their 14th birthday, and are experiencing homelessness or could lose their housing without assistance. Eligible Coloradans can have 70-100% of their monthly rent paid and an assigned supportive case manager who will help connect youth with mental health services, job opportunities and more.
The housing vouchers and case management funding will be distributed through the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood or the Colorado Foster Youth Successful Transition to Adulthood State Grant program.
"We are happy to partner with our community in supporting our young people in this important transition to adulthood," said Trevor Williams, Youth Services unit manager. “Youth leaving foster care may not have adults in their lives who can help them during this milestone. They also don't always have the tools to become independent immediately. This program works to ensure that youth who have experienced foster care have all of the resources they need to be successful, thriving adults.”
If you or you or someone you know may be eligible for this program, you can contact cdhs_fosteringsuccess@state.co.us. Learn more about the program.
Media contact:
Julie Popp
OCYF Communications Manager
720.788.1307
Julie.Popp@state.co.us