FYI vouchers are a special set-aside of HCVs administered by the HASA in partnership with the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) in San Angelo, TX. HASA has access to 25 FYI vouchers and is dependent upon available funding from HUD. The DFPS initially determines if the youth meet the FYI eligibility requirements, certifies that the youth is eligible, and refers those youths to the HASA. The referred youth must apply online and be added to the HCV wait list. Once the DFPS makes the referral, the HASA places the FYI referral on its FYI waiting list. The HASA will determine whether the youth meet HCV program eligibility requirements, including income and criminal offender eligibility.
In addition to rental assistance, supportive services must be provided to FYI youth by the DFPS or another approved social service agency. Services must be secured for a period of 36 months to eligible youth receiving rental assistance through PIH Notice 2020-28. Examples of the skills targeted by these services include, but are not limited to, money management skills, job preparation, educational counseling, and proper nutrition and meal preparation.
FYI vouchers are targeted specifically to youth who have aged out of foster care or who will be transitioning from foster care within 90 days. Eligible youth may receive FYI voucher assistance for a lifetime maximum of 36 months. If at the end of 36 months the youth has not applied for and received a regular HCV, they will terminate from the FYI program with no additional assistance from HASA.
a. To be eligible for this voucher preference, the following must be met at the time of referral:
i. Has attained at least 18 years and not more than 24 years of age;
ii. Left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act; and
iii. Is homeless or is at risk of becoming homeless at age of 16 or older.
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