Key State & City Programs / Agencies

Here are a number of useful resources in New York State (especially NYC) that provide housing guidance, subsidies, programs, and support for foster youth.

NYC ACS Housing – Housing Academy Collaborative (HAC)
Helps prepare foster youth (16–21) to get and keep housing in NYC: job readiness, financial literacy, landlord/tenant rights, etc. Also helps with applying for housing. Help for youth in foster care, especially those leaving care or expecting / parenting. NYC.gov Housing

Housing Support Services (HSS) via LawHelpNY
Rent help / subsidy programs, helping young adults in foster care in NYC find stable long-term housing. Help for young adults transitioning out of foster care (often age 18+); also families with active foster care or preventive cases. LawHelpNY

Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) – Fact Sheet (NY State / OTDA)
Provides housing vouchers + case management to eligible foster youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Assistance for up to 36 months. Help for youth aged 18–24, in or aging out of foster care or at risk. NY State OTDAFYI Fact Sheet

Supportive Housing – The Foundling (NY/NY III & NYC 15, ESSHI programs)
Subsidized, supportive housing with ongoing services, case planning, for young adults. Some scattered-site apartments; some buildings. Help for young adults that meet income/employment or other eligibility criteria; often for those leaving foster care or homeless. The New York Foundling Supportive Housing

Supervised Setting Programs (OCFS)
Option for youth ages 16–21 to live independently with supervision & support. Helps prepare for independent living. Help for foster youth in that age range in NY State. Office of Children and Family Services OCFS Supervised Settings

Fair Futures NY – Housing Support for Youth Aging Out
Temporary and supportive housing programs, describe eligibility and how rent is calculated for several programs. Help for youth in or transitioning out of foster care, up to age 25, depending on program. Fair Futures NY – Housing Support resources

Helpful Guides & Toolkits

YouthNPower Resource Guide
A PDF guide with housing and other supports for young people aged ~18-24 who have been in foster care in NYC. youthnpower.org

OCFS “Online Resource Materials / Youth Development – Transition Plan Guidance”
Guidance for local departments of social services and foster care agencies regarding how to plan for transitions (including housing transitions). Office of Children and Family Services

Handbook for Youth in Foster Care (NY State)
Describes rights, responsibilities, what happens leaving foster care, etc. Useful for understanding what to expect and what supports must be provided. OCFCPA Courts