HOME for Foster Youth Act

This bill aims to significantly expand and streamline access to tenant-based rental assistance for foster youth by amending the United States Housing Act of 1937. It broadens eligibility criteria for these vulnerable individuals, ensuring more foster youth can access stable housing. Specifically, the legislation extends the period during which youth leaving foster care can qualify for assistance from 90 days to 180 days . It also removes the prior requirement that eligible youth must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to receive support. Additionally, the bill ensures that education and training voucher amounts are not counted as income when determining rental assistance eligibility, preventing a reduction in benefits. To ensure effective implementation, the bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to update all relevant guidance and notices. It also mandates interagency coordination between the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services to modernize and improve access to housing assistance and supportive services for current and former foster youth.