More than 100 young people in Washington became homeless last year as they transitioned out of the state’s foster care program. Some legislators say state and federal restrictions are standing in the way of the resources they need to keep their housing.

“Stable housing is critical,” said State Sen. Wilson, D-Auburn. “These are our children. These are state-raised children. We would not put our own children into a space where they don’t have a place to live.”

Senate Bill 5082 creates a new housing assistance program for youth enrolled in Extended Foster Care.

“It is a bill that should have been introduced back when the EFC program started in 2007,” said Ésminà James-Secret, an intern at Families of Color Seattle.

Extended Foster Care is for young adults who were dependents of Washington State until their 18th birthday. The voluntary program assists them for up to three years as they transition out of foster care and into adulthood.

To help in that transition, SB5082 allows youths participating in EFC to receive housing vouchers to cover living expenses. They become eligible if they are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. The housing voucher would be available for up to 36 months but not beyond their 21st birthday.

Wilson said housing vouchers can currently be applied for through the Foster Youth to Independence program. However, youth are forced to exit foster care to be eligible for the housing voucher, leaving behind EFC programs and support systems.

“It is things like this that can give hope to people who feel like they have nothing to live for,” said Lexx Senner, advocate with the Mockingbird Society.

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