Housing Authority approves five HUD Foster Youth to Independence vouchers for Redondo Beach

At a special meeting of the Redondo Beach Housing Authority, authorities approved a contract to receive and administer five Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) housing vouchers awarded through a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development initiative administered locally by the California Department of Social Services (DCFS).

Elizabeth House, community services director, introduced Imelda Delgado, the housing manager who began the day before and said the authority’s housing staff will administer the vouchers and accept referrals from DCFS. “We are very excited to be able to bring this to you. We will be receiving 5 vouchers,” House said, and described the program’s purpose: to prevent youth homelessness by supporting people aged 18 to 24 who are aging out of foster care.

House described program features: families and individuals may access the voucher for up to 36 months and receive case management and supports through DCFS, including budgeting and job readiness assistance. Staff said the program is new for the authority and that they expect to learn through initial implementation; one potentially eligible youth had already been identified.

Action: The Housing Authority approved the contract to participate in HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence voucher program and begin accepting applications. The motion to approve passed on voice vote (all present voting aye).

Why it matters: The vouchers fund housing subsidies and supportive services for a vulnerable population — youth leaving foster care — and broaden the authority’s tools for preventing homelessness among young adults.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the contract and begin receiving referrals and applications. Participants can remain on the voucher for up to 36 months while receiving supportive services coordinated with DCFS.