Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Voucher Announcement
Notice is hereby given that the State of Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) will open the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program wait list on Monday, July 15th at 9am and it will remain open until further notice. The wait list will be open only for Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) pre-applicants. DOH and its contractor will ONLY accept referrals of pre-applications from the State Department of Children and Families (DCF). Individuals who believe they are eligible should contact DCF at DCF.FYI@ct.gov or call 860-550-6527.
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is a program established to (1.) Ensure that FYI youth have adequate and stable housing opportunities to support their successful transition to adulthood and (2.) Empower FYI youth to resolve their own problems, to effectively utilize assistive services and to advocate for themselves with public and private agencies, and other community institutions. Eligible youth will receive up to 36 months of rental and case management assistance.
The population eligible to potentially be assisted through Foster Youth to Independence vouchers are youth certified by the State Department of Children and Families as meeting the following conditions:
1. Has attained at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age;
2. Left foster care*, or will leave foster care within 90 days
3. Is homeless** or is at risk of becoming homeless***.
* Under the federal definition of foster care, placement can include, but is not limited to, placements in foster family homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities, child care institutions, and pre-adoptive homes [Subsidized Adoption or Guardianship will also qualify].
** Homeless refers to the population included in the definition of this term at 24 CFR 578.3.
*** At Risk of Becoming Homeless means the population defined as “At Risk of Homelessness” at 24 CFR 576.2.
To be certified eligible to potentially receive a FYI Voucher, DCF must confirm the above conditions through a search of the DCF data system. DCF will need the following information:
1) First & Last Name or other names used
2) Date of Birth
3) DCF Worker or Office who provided services
4) Birth parent, Adoptive parent, or Guardian (if applicable)
5) Contact information [Address for mail, phone number, or email]
6) What town/city you seek to live in (Please name a least one)
7) Description of current living situation
Additional information may be required for DCF certification. Pre-applicants will be notified of your status once initial eligibility is determined. Additional Housing Choice Voucher Program eligibility criteria apply. FYI funding is dependent on an FYI award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
DCF and DOH fully comply with all Federal, State and local nondiscrimination laws and the rules and regulations governing Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in housing.