Foster Youth to Independence

Program Description

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is an initiative designed to assist young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have been part of the foster care system and are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. FYI is administered by the Portland Housing Authority (PHA) in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and youth services providers. FYI works with eligible youth to identify, secure, and maintain housing while also participating in a variety of services around education, job training, and financial goals.

Who is Eligible? 

  • Youth between 18 and 24 years old, and
  • Have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, and were in foster care at the age of 16 and older, and
  • are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Program Milestone Press Release

Flyer for the program statewide:

Maine’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Housing Voucher Program  

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and several Housing Authorities across Maine have teamed up to offer Youth to Independence (FYI) Housing Vouchers to eligible youth that last for up-to three (3) years!

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be between 18 and 24 years old and
  • Have left foster care or will leave foster care within 90 days, and was in foster care at age of 16 and older and
  • Are homeless, couch surfing, or at risk of becoming homeless. 

Once Enrolled:  

FYI participants will be supported by Housing Authority staff to choose from local service providers they’re eligible for to help them succeed and stay in a new apartment!

Following successful program completion youth may be eligible for traditional HCV’s if they are available. FYI participants will pay 30% of their income for rent, or $50/month, whichever is greater.

Participating Housing Authorities:

Biddeford Housing AuthorityPortland Housing AuthorityLewiston Housing Authority
City of Bangor Housing AuthorityOld Town Housing AuthorityCity of Brewer Housing Authority
Presque Isle Housing AuthorityCaribou Housing AuthorityFt. Fairfield Housing Authority


For more information or to determine initial eligibility,  please contact Dulcey Laberge at the DHHS—Office of Child and Family Services @  Dulcey.Laberge@maine.gov   or (207) 446-4227  

Once verified eligible by DHHS the Housing Authority will contact the FYI participant and request a housing voucher!  Youth must still meet minimum voucher eligibility with the Housing Authority.