Each year, approximately 20,000 young people age out of the U.S. foster care system without a permanent family — many bearing the scars of long-term instability, trauma, and loss. Securing safe, stable housing shouldn’t be a new hurdle for those who’ve already weathered countless challenges growing up.

That’s why I’m proud to have included $30 million in funding for the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative in the Fiscal 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this program provides critical housing assistance to some of our nation’s most vulnerable young adults.

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The need for a robust FYI Initiative is urgent. The National Foster Youth Institute estimates that 20% of young adults in foster care become homeless immediately upon emancipation at age 18. Nearly a quarter will experience homelessness within four years. Approximately half of the nation’s homeless population has spent time in foster care.

These sobering statistics don’t capture the full effect of homelessness. Many of these young people have no choice but to live on the streets, couch surf, or sleep in cars and on public transportation. Housing insecurity makes it incredibly difficult to pursue higher education or hold down a job, further stymying their upward mobility. It also increases the risk of being a victim of violent crime or being caught in the revolving door of the criminal justice system.

You don’t need an advanced degree in social work to recognize that these challenges are not simply the result of individual misfortunes — they’re indicative of broader systemic issues. That’s where the FYI Initiative comes in.

HUD partners with public housing authorities and local organizations to help eligible former foster youth under 25 years old secure housing and build the skills needed for independent living. Eligible participants receive Housing Choice Vouchers to cover rent costs, alongside access to wraparound services such as counseling in money management, job preparation and retention, and educational advancement. By combining up to 36 months of housing assistance with practical services, FYI empowers young adults to forge a self-sufficient future.

Fortunately, first lady Melania Trump recognizes the importance of initiatives like FYI, which set our next generation up for success regardless of circumstances. Through her BE BEST campaign, she is dedicated to the well-being of children with a special focus on supporting foster youth through her Fostering the Future initiative. The first lady’s advocacy is critical, bringing light to an often-overlooked pitfall in our foster care system and championing funding that means the difference between housing and homelessness for many of our recently emancipated foster youth.

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With robust funding, HUD can better support vulnerable youth through the FYI initiative. The House Appropriations Committee has already approved the $30 million in funding for this program, but to truly deliver for those in need, Congress must pass the bill. The deadline to pass this and the 11 other funding bills is Sept. 30, and it’s imperative that we get it done. Reverting to another long-term continuing resolution would mean losing the opportunity to adjust funding levels to better serve the American people through programs like FYI.

As chairman of the THUD Subcommittee, my goal is to get this bill across the finish line. I urge my colleagues in both the House and Senate to join me in passing this crucial legislation and creating better outcomes for young adults aging out of foster care. These individuals deserve a fair shot at the American dream, and this commonsense housing support opens the door to it.

Steve Womack is a member of Congress from Arkansas’s Third Congressional District.