LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) – In a time of rising homelessness in Pennsylvania and across the nation, organizations in Lancaster are looking to make a difference for young adults.
The Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher program provides rental assistance to Lancaster County and City young adults, who are exiting foster care and are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.
“We can get people off the streets, right into the homes and be able to help them develop those skills,” Deb Jones with the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities said.
It’s a collaboration between the County’s Housing Authority, the City’s Housing Authority, Lancaster County Children and Youth and the County’s Homelessness Coalition.
“It’s initially for 36 months,” the Housing and Redevelopment Authorities’ Audrey Steinmetz said. “The tenant pays between 30 and 40% of their income towards their rent and utilities.”
Then if the person meets the criteria of being involved in supportive services, they get an additional two years of assistance according to Steinmetz.