HUD Announces New Foster Youth to Independence Funding and Webinar

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued Notice PIH 2026-19: The Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative. This notice supersedes Notice PIH 2023-04 and announces the availability of $38.2 million in new FYI funding.

The funding will be available on a noncompetitive, rolling basis and is intended to expand housing opportunities for young people transitioning from foster care. Stable, affordable housing is a critical foundation for young adults as they pursue education, employment, health, community connection, and other goals during the transition to adulthood.

Why This Matters

Young people who have experienced foster care often face significant barriers to securing safe and stable housing after leaving care. The FYI Initiative supports eligible public housing authorities (PHAs) in providing Housing Choice Voucher assistance to young adults with foster care experience.

For child welfare agencies, housing providers, advocates, and community-based organizations, this announcement is an important opportunity to strengthen local partnerships and expand resources for transition-age youth.

Upcoming HUD Webinar

HUD will host a webinar to provide an overview of the updated notice, including changes introduced through PIH 2026-19. The session will also include an opportunity for PHAs, public child welfare agencies (PCWAs), and other stakeholders to ask questions.

Webinar: Overview of Notice PIH 2026-19: The Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Initiative

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Attendees must pre-register to participate: Register for the webinar.

Learn More

We encourage professionals and organizations working at the intersection of foster care, youth transition, housing stability, and supportive services to attend. The webinar may be particularly valuable for public housing authorities, child welfare agencies, service providers, advocates, and partners seeking to better understand available FYI resources and implementation changes.

Read the full notice: Notice PIH 2026-19: The Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Initiative.