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Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher Program

The DFPS Housing Program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) across Texas, offers Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) and support services for eligible youth who have experienced foster care through the FYI program. The DFPS Housing Program is dedicated to ensuring that all eligible youth and the community have accurate information and understand how to access this life-changing resource.

What Is the FYI Voucher Program?

The FYI Voucher Program offers Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) and supportive services to eligible young adults with foster care experience. These vouchers assist youth in securing and maintaining stable housing as they pursue education, employment, and long-term independence.

What are the eligibility requirements?

FYI provides federally funded rental assistance for youth must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old and not yet 25 at the time of voucher issuance,
  • Have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 180 days, in accordance with a transition plan as outlined in Section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act,
  • Be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and
  • Be referred by a Public Child Welfare Agency (PCWA) such as CPS/DFPS.

Eligible youth can receive up to 36 months of rental assistance, with an option to extend for up to 24 additional months through the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities (FSHO) provision if they are in school, working, or participating in employment-related programming.

I need help. Where do I start?

CPS/DFPS has dedicated Regional Youth Housing Liaisons throughout Texas who serve as the first point of contact for youth, caseworkers, and providers.

These liaisons assist youth in:
– Creating personalized housing plans,
– Applying for FYI and other voucher programs, and
– Connecting with education, employment, and life skills services.

Find your regional housing liaison here.For Region 11 contacts, see below.

wdt_ID REGION STAFF MEMBER ROLE PHONE EMAIL
15 11A and 11B Zenaida Polanco, MSW CPS PAL Specialist/Housing Liaison (956) 286-3615 Zenaida.Polanco@dfps.texas.gov
16 11A and 11B Jesus Deleon, MSW CPS PAL Specialist/Housing Liaison (956) 244-3924 Jesus.Deleon@dfps.texas.gov
17 State Office Jim Currier, MSW Statewide Youth Housing Specialist DFPSCPSHousingProgram@dfps.texas.gov