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Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act

USA119th CongressHR-7432| House 
| Updated: 2/9/2026
Darin LaHood

Darin LaHood

Republican Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (1)
Gwen Moore (Democratic)

Ways and Means Committee, Financial Services Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to significantly improve access to stable housing for youth transitioning out of foster care by amending Section 477 of the Social Security Act. It explicitly includes access to housing for youth aged 18 or older as a core purpose of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, and encourages collaboration with public housing agencies. A key provision allows states to utilize Chafee funds for housing supportive services for eligible youth, defined as those receiving assistance under Section 8(x) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, which can include financial literacy, rental lease counseling, and assistance with security deposits, utility fees, and moving costs. Importantly, these supportive services are exempt from existing room and board spending limits, and states may provide them to eligible youth up to 26 years of age to support continued housing access. To enhance coordination, the bill mandates that the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development issue joint guidance within one year, aligning federal policies between child welfare and housing programs. Additionally, it requires a report to Congress within three years, detailing outcomes for foster youth, including stable housing rates and homelessness, and offering statutory recommendations for improved program coordination.
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Timeline
Feb 9, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 9, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • February 9, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 9, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Families

Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act

USA119th CongressHR-7432| House 
| Updated: 2/9/2026
This bill aims to significantly improve access to stable housing for youth transitioning out of foster care by amending Section 477 of the Social Security Act. It explicitly includes access to housing for youth aged 18 or older as a core purpose of the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood, and encourages collaboration with public housing agencies. A key provision allows states to utilize Chafee funds for housing supportive services for eligible youth, defined as those receiving assistance under Section 8(x) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, which can include financial literacy, rental lease counseling, and assistance with security deposits, utility fees, and moving costs. Importantly, these supportive services are exempt from existing room and board spending limits, and states may provide them to eligible youth up to 26 years of age to support continued housing access. To enhance coordination, the bill mandates that the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Housing and Urban Development issue joint guidance within one year, aligning federal policies between child welfare and housing programs. Additionally, it requires a report to Congress within three years, detailing outcomes for foster youth, including stable housing rates and homelessness, and offering statutory recommendations for improved program coordination.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Feb 9, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 9, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
  • February 9, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 9, 2026
    Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Darin LaHood

Darin LaHood

Republican Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (1)
Gwen Moore (Democratic)

Ways and Means Committee, Financial Services Committee

Families

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted