LaHood, Moore Introduce Bill To Expand Housing Options For Foster Youth

WASHINGTON — Congressman Darin LaHood and Congresswoman Gwen Moore introduced the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act on Tuesday to help youth aging out of foster care access stable housing. The bill would improve coordination between federal housing programs, including Foster Youth to Independence vouchers, and state child welfare services, and allow Chafee funds more flexibility to cover housing-related costs. The legislation supports efforts to provide transition-age foster youth with resources to prevent homelessness and promote long-term stability, aligning with the First Lady’s Foster Youth to Independence initiative. Nearly 35 percent of former foster youth experience homelessness by age 21, and the bill seeks to reduce that risk by strengthening federal and local support.