Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Program
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program is a Housing Choice Voucher program funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under FYI, rental assistance is provided to youths at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age (have not reached their 25th birthday) who left foster care, or will leave foster care within 180 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act, and are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older.
An FYI voucher issued to such a youth may only be used to provide housing assistance for the youth for a maximum of 36 months. An additional 24 months of assistance may be extended to eligible youths. In addition to receiving rental assistance, the youth will have an opportunity to receive support services to assist the young person on their path to self-sufficiency.
To administer the program, a Memorandum of Procedure (MOP) between Social Services Agency (SSA) and the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) was developed. The MOP consists of guidelines set forth to operate the FYI Program.
The relationship between the two agencies with regard to this procedure is based upon the following:
- SSA refers eligible emancipated youth to OCHA.
- OCHA provides a Housing Choice Voucher to eligible emancipated youth.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria: The youth selected for participation in the FYI program must be eligible for assistance under OCHA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program and must meet FYI eligibility criteria as certified by SSA. Upon OCHA determination that the youth is eligible to receive housing assistance, a Housing Choice Voucher will be issued to the emancipated youth.
OCHA contacts are:
Shirley Gorbal Last name A-F Phone: 714-480-2922 email: Shirley.gorbal@occr.ocgov.com
Katy Liao Last name G-L Phone: 714-480-2953 email: Katy.liao@occr.ocgov.com
Phu Nguyen Last name M-R Phone: 714-480-2752 email: Phu.nguyen@occr.ocgov.com
Sandra Chirino Last name S-Z Phone: 714-480-2980 email: Sandra.chirino@occr.ocgov.com