The Johnson County Housing Authority has expanded its Foster Youth to Independence voucher program, allowing more youth who have aged out of foster care to obtain affordable housing. These vouchers provide rental assistance and other support services for youth who are referred to the program through trusted community sources.

This year, Johnson County Housing Authority is offering 19 vouchers, which is an increase of 10 from when it first offered the program in March 2024. The vouchers are made available from the Department of Housing and Urban Development under a non-competitive application. As a young adult in need is identified by a partner organization, they are referred to the Housing Authority to obtain a voucher. Approval from HUD typically takes about 90 days.

The Housing Authority also has launched a new landlord incentive this month in an effort to increase the number of landlords participating in the program.

State data shows that about 20-25 children age out of foster care in Johnson County annually, and that the same group of young adults is more than 50% likely to experience homelessness at least once if not several times before they turn 25 years of age.

"This really is a pivotal time period for these younger adults, and data shows that with this expansion of our landlord incentive, we can be ready to address a significant portion of the need for this population in our county," said Heather McNeive, Director of Housing Services for Johnson County. "This is a period where these young people really need housing stability to experience a successful transition into society. Our Foster Youth to Independence vouchers are a very powerful option in the county's comprehensive approach to supporting and empowering these young adults."

Unlike typical vouchers that primarily focus on providing rental assistance, the Foster Youth to Independence voucher includes personalized support services that address various aspects of a young person's life. Here's what makes the Foster Youth to Independence Voucher distinctive:

• Holistic Support: Beyond housing, these vouchers provide access to case managers who assist with education, employment and life skills training. This holistic approach ensures that young people are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in all areas of life.
• Financial Stability: The wraparound services include financial literacy programs, budgeting assistance and connections to employment opportunities. This support is crucial for young adults transitioning out of foster care, helping them build a strong foundation for future financial independence.
• Continuous Guidance: Case managers offer ongoing guidance and mentorship, helping these young adults navigate challenges and make informed decisions. This continuous support can have significant impact their ability to maintain stable housing and achieve long-term goals.
• Community Integration: By addressing broader needs beyond housing, these vouchers help foster youth integrate more fully into the community, reducing risk of homelessness and promoting overall well-being.

New this month, Johnson County is offering landlords who sign up to participate in the program a sign-on bonus of three times the rent charged for the property. In addition, landlords have access to a damage reimbursement fund. Typically, housing units in the program are one- to two-bedroom units. Landlords interested in participating in the program may contact [email protected] or 913-715-6618.

Taken together, the program is designed to provide stable housing and support to significantly improve educational and employment outcomes, while fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement among young people who might otherwise struggle to find their place in society.