Overview
Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) is an initiative designed to assist young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have been part of the foster care system and are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. FYI is administered by the Caribou Housing Authority (CHA) in collaboration with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and youth services providers. FYI works with eligible youth to identify, secure, and maintain housing while also participating in a variety of services around education, job training, and financial goals.
Who Is Eligible?
- Youth between 18 and 24 years old, and
- Have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, and were in foster care at the age of 16 and older, and
- Are homeless, couch surfing or at risk of becoming homeless.
Once Enrolled
FYI participants will be supported by Housing Authority staff to choose from local service providers they’re eligible for to help them succeed and stay in a new apartment!
Following successful program completion youth may be eligible for traditional HCV’s if they are available. FYI participants will pay 30% of their income for rent, or $50/month, whichever is greater.
Participating Housing Authorities
| Biddeford Housing Authority | Portland Housing Authority | Lewiston Housing Authority |
| Bangor Housing Authority | Old Town Housing Authority | Brewer Housing Authority |
| Presque Isle Housing Authority | Caribou Housing Authority | Ft. Fairfield Housing Authority |
For More Information:
For more information or to determine initial eligibility, please contact Dulcey Laberge at the DHHS—Office of Child and Family Services @ Dulcey.Laberge@maine.gov or (207) 446-4227
Once verified eligible by DHHS the Housing Authority will contact the FYI participant and request a housing voucher! Youth must still meet minimum voucher eligibility with the Housing Authority.
Caribou Housing Authority 