Opinion: Putting NYC youth in foster care on a path to success with permanent housing

One hundred young adults, previously in foster care, are now settling into their own New York City apartments – including Jasmine, who has been in the foster care system since the age of seven. After giving birth to her son at the age of twenty, Jasmine was determined to achieve independence, and we were intent on ensuring she had the support system to do just that. Today, thanks to a new partnership between the NYC Administration for Children’s Services and Anthos|Home, Jasmine and her one-year-old son are thriving in a two-bedroom apartment. With a home to call their own, young people supported by this partnership are given the tools they need to pursue the education and careers they want and deserve, allowing them to achieve independence.

The partnership between ACS and Anthos|Home is transforming the process of securing permanent housing for young adults leaving foster care. Typically, voucher recipients in New York City face long wait times – ranging from 13 months to more than two years – to use their vouchers. Our partnership has dramatically shortened that timeline to an average of just four months, helping young people overcome the common obstacles to securing permanent, affordable housing.

The model is based on building relationships with landlords, developing a bank of suitable apartments, and supporting voucher holders and landlords through the process. By proactively reserving and preparing housing units specifically for voucher holders, participants are guaranteed immediate access to suitable apartments. Anthos|Home covers moving costs and makes necessary small repairs so units can pass inspection, thereby removing obstacles that often derail the housing process. This enables a smoother transition into stable housing.

Throughout the apartment hunting process, Jasmine worked closely with her Tenant Coordinator at Anthos|Home to navigate the complexities of lease agreements and budgeting. The support didn’t stop once she moved in; Anthos|Home provides regular check-ins and follow-up services to ensure housing stability. These services included assistance with voucher recertification, connection to community service partners, and financial support when needed. 

A dignified, affordable home is a foundation for young people’s success. This initiative not only puts youth on a path to stability but also reduces significant amounts of stress for them during a time of major transition.  

ACS is committed to helping foster care young adults achieve their educational and career goals. In addition to this new partnership with Anthos|Home, ACS supports the Fair Futures program, where youth receive one-on-one coaching and tutoring to help them apply for and persist in college, follow their dream career path, and set and achieve independent living goals. The Fair Futures model has been implemented and scaled across all 26 city foster care agencies and serves nearly 4,000 young people ages 11-26. Through ACS’s College Choice program, youth in foster care receive financial support for tuition to attend the college of their choosing. They also receive a cash stipend, which can be used towards food, clothing, transportation, and more. These programs and the partnership with Anthos|Home offer young people in foster care the opportunity to build stable, fulfilling lives.

Jasmine’s story is just the beginning. ACS plans to work with Anthos|Home over the next year to help house an additional 400 young people. Together, we’re proving that stable housing isn’t just a dream for young people exiting foster care – it’s an achievable reality.