Housing Assistance for Youth Who Have Aged Out of Foster Care
Find out all the details about the housing challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care and how Flite Center can help.
Turning 18 is an exciting milestone for many young adults, often marking the transition to greater independence, new opportunities, and personal growth. However, for youth aging out of the foster care system, this moment can bring uncertainty, especially when it comes to securing stable housing. Without a permanent support system in place, many of these young adults struggle to find a safe place to live, putting them at risk of homelessness and financial instability.
At FLITE Center, we are aware of these challenges and are committed to ensuring that no young adult has to navigate this transition alone. Our housing assistance for youth who have aged out of foster care provides the stability they need to build their future with confidence. Through programs like the Transitional Independent Living (TIL) program and other FLITE Center housing programs, we help young adults secure safe, affordable housing while offering support in education, employment, and life skills.
This blog will explore the housing challenges faced by youth aging out of foster care, the solutions FLITE Center provides, and how the community can get involved in making a difference. Whether you're a potential supporter, a landlord, or a young adult seeking assistance, FLITE Center is here to support young adults in achieving independence and building a successful future.
Recognizing the Housing Challenges for Aged-Out Foster Youth
For most young adults, the transition to independence comes with guidance and support from family—whether it’s help with rent, advice on budgeting, or a safety net in case of unexpected setbacks. Unfortunately, for youth aging out of the foster care system, this support is often nonexistent. Without a permanent home or reliable adult connections, many face extreme hardships when trying to secure stable housing.
A Growing Risk of Homelessness
In the United States, more than 25,000 young people age out of foster care every year. According to studies, 31% to 46% of these youth experience homelessness within 18 months of leaving the system. The situation is especially concerning in cities like Fort Lauderdale, where high housing costs and limited affordable options make it even harder for former foster youth to find a stable living situation.
Without a safety net, many of these young adults are forced to make difficult choices—couch surfing, staying in unsafe environments, or even sleeping on the streets. The lack of a stable home makes it harder for them to find employment, complete their education, or access essential healthcare services.
Barriers to Securing Housing
Even when former foster youth are determined to live independently, they often face roadblocks that make securing housing nearly impossible. Some of the most common challenges include:
Financial Instability – Many aged-out foster youth have little to no savings, a limited credit history, and no co-signer for a lease. Without steady income, landlords are hesitant to rent to them.
Lack of Rental History – Most landlords require previous rental references, which foster youth typically don’t have. This puts them at a disadvantage when competing for apartments.
High Cost of Living – In places like Fort Lauderdale, affordable housing is scarce. Young adults without financial backing struggle to cover rent, security deposits, and utility costs.
Limited Life Skills – Tasks like budgeting, managing bills, and maintaining a household can be overwhelming for youth who have not received proper guidance on independent living.
These barriers make it clear that housing assistance for youth who have aged out of foster care is not just helpful—it’s essential. Without structured support, many young adults fall through the cracks, unable to achieve stability.
FLITE Center's Housing Assistance Programs
At FLITE Center, we believe that every young adult deserves a safe place to call home. Our housing programs are designed to bridge the gap for foster youth aging out of the system, ensuring they have a stable foundation to build their future.
Transitional Independent Living (TIL) Program
The Transitional Independent Living (TIL) program is a key part of our housing support at FLITE Center. This program provides young adults with stable, affordable housing while they work towards self-sufficiency. It is not just about giving them a place to stay—it’s about equipping them with the skills and resources they need to live independently.
How the TIL Program Works
Safe and Affordable Housing – Participants live in fully furnished apartments or shared housing arrangements with rent assistance, ensuring they have a secure place to stay.
Case Management Support – Each participant works closely with a case manager who helps them set goals related to education, employment, financial management, and life skills.
Career and Education Guidance – Residents receive job readiness training, resume assistance, and help enrolling in school or vocational programs.
Life Skills Development – Workshops on budgeting, meal planning, and apartment maintenance help participants build confidence in managing their own household.
Many young adults in the TIL program have gone on to secure stable employment, complete their education, and transition into long-term housing. The program offers structure and accountability while allowing participants to experience independence in a supportive environment.
Emergency Landing Space Program
For some young adults, the need for housing is urgent. Youth who have recently become homeless or are at immediate risk of losing their housing can turn to our Emergency Landing Space Program.
What This Program Offers:
Immediate Safe Housing – This program provides short-term accommodations for youth who have no other options.
Crisis Support Services – Participants receive immediate case management to help them find a more permanent solution.
Transition Planning – The goal is to quickly connect youth with long-term housing options through programs like TIL or partner organizations.
This program is crucial for preventing youth homelessness and ensuring that young adults don’t have to sleep on the streets or stay in unsafe environments.
Collaboration with Landlords and Housing Providers
FLITE Center recognizes that community partnerships are essential to expanding housing options for aged-out foster youth. That’s why we work directly with landlords, property managers, and housing organizations to create opportunities for youth to secure safe and affordable housing.
How FLITE Center Supports Landlords:
Reliable Rent Payments – With financial assistance and case management support, landlords can feel confident that their tenants have the resources to stay on track.
Ongoing Case Management – Youth receive regular check-ins and support, ensuring they meet their rental obligations.
A Positive Community Impact – Landlords who participate in the program help reduce youth homelessness while filling vacancies with motivated tenants.
By building relationships with housing providers in Fort Lauderdale and beyond, FLITE Center is breaking down barriers and helping youth transition into long-term, stable living situations.
Extensive Support Services Complementing Housing
Stable housing is a critical first step for aged-out foster youth, but housing alone isn’t enough to set them up for long-term success. Without proper support, young adults may struggle with education, employment, health, and life skills—all essential for a successful transition to independence. That’s why FLITE Center offers comprehensive support services alongside its housing assistance for youth who have aged out of foster care.
Through a well-rounded approach, FLITE Center ensures that young adults receive the tools, guidance, and mentorship they need to thrive.
Education Support
For many aged-out foster youth, pursuing education is challenging. Some may have fallen behind in school due to frequent moves, while others may not have had the encouragement or resources to complete their education. FLITE Center provides:
GED and High School Completion Support – Youth who didn’t complete high school receive one-on-one guidance, tutoring, and financial assistance to obtain their diploma or GED.
College and Vocational Training Assistance – Case managers help youth apply for college, secure financial aid, and explore vocational training programs suited to their skills and interests.
Academic Mentorship and Tutoring – FLITE Center connects young adults with mentors and tutors who provide educational support and motivation.
By removing barriers to education, FLITE Center helps young adults gain qualifications that open doors to stable employment and long-term independence.
Employment Services
Finding and maintaining employment is one of the biggest challenges for youth aging out of foster care. Many lack job experience, professional connections, and interview skills, making it difficult to compete in the job market.
FLITE Center’s employment services provide:
Job Readiness Training – Workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and workplace etiquette prepare young adults to land and keep a job.
Internship and Apprenticeship Opportunities – Partnerships with local businesses allow youth to gain hands-on experience in various fields.
Career Coaching – Case managers help participants identify career paths, develop skills, and explore higher-paying opportunities.
These services empower young adults to build financial stability and break the cycle of poverty.
Health and Wellness Support
The transition to independence can be stressful, and without access to healthcare and mental health services, many aged-out foster youth struggle with anxiety, depression, and untreated medical conditions.
FLITE Center provides:
Access to Mental Health Services – Counseling and therapy sessions help young adults navigate trauma, stress, and emotional challenges.
Primary Healthcare Assistance – FLITE Center connects youth with doctors, dentists, and health clinics to ensure they receive regular check-ups and medical care.
Wellness Programs – Nutrition workshops, fitness programs, and stress management courses promote healthy living habits.
By prioritizing mental and physical well-being, FLITE Center ensures that youth are not just surviving, but thriving in their new independence.
Resource Navigation
Beyond housing, education, and employment, FLITE Center helps youth navigate the complex system of public benefits and community resources. Many young adults aging out of foster care are unaware of the financial assistance and support programs available to them.
FLITE Center assists with:
Applying for Public Benefits – Guidance on accessing food assistance, healthcare programs, and financial aid.
Childcare and Parenting Support – For young parents, FLITE Center helps them find affordable childcare and parenting resources.
Transportation Assistance – Help with public transportation, obtaining a driver’s license, and securing reliable transportation for work or school.
With the right support, aged-out foster youth can successfully navigate adulthood and avoid the risks of homelessness, unemployment, and financial hardship.
How the Community Can Get Involved
FLITE Center’s mission to support aged-out foster youth wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local community. There are many ways for individuals, businesses, and organizations to make a real difference in the lives of these young adults.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers play a key role in helping FLITE Center provide guidance and mentorship to young adults. Some ways to get involved include:
Mentorship Programs – Being a mentor provides aged-out foster youth with the support and encouragement they may have never had.
Tutoring and Career Coaching – Volunteers can help youth improve academic skills, prepare for job interviews, and build professional networks.
Life Skills Workshops – Share your expertise by teaching classes on budgeting, cooking, resume building, and home maintenance.
By donating time and expertise, volunteers create life-changing opportunities for young adults in need.
Donations and Fundraising
Financial contributions help FLITE Center continue providing housing assistance for youth who have aged out of foster care, job training, and essential support services. Donations go toward:
Rent and Utility Assistance – Helping youth stay in safe, stable housing as they work toward independence.
Scholarships and Educational Support – Funding for GED programs, college tuition, and vocational training.
Emergency Relief Funds – Assistance for youth facing sudden financial hardships.
Ways to donate:
One-time or recurring donations through the FLITE Center website.
Organizing a fundraiser within your community or workplace.
Sponsoring a youth’s housing or education expenses.
Even small contributions can change the course of a young adult’s life.
Partnership Opportunities for Businesses and Organizations
Local businesses and organizations can support FLITE Center by partnering to create housing, employment, and educational opportunities. Partnership opportunities include:
Providing Internships or Jobs – Businesses can offer job placements, apprenticeships, or training programs.
Becoming a Housing Partner – Landlords can rent units to youth participating in FLITE Center housing programs, with financial and case management support.
Sponsoring Programs and Events – Organizations can contribute by funding educational workshops, career fairs, and support programs.
These partnerships not only benefit the youth but also strengthen the entire community by reducing homelessness, increasing employment, and empowering young adults.
Final Thoughts
At FLITE Center, we believe that every young adult deserves a safe place to call home, the opportunity to build a future, and a support system that empowers them to succeed.
Through housing programs, education and job training, health services, and community partnerships, we are helping aged-out foster youth break barriers and achieve independence.
But we can’t do it alone. Whether you choose to volunteer, donate, or partner with us, your support ensures that no young adult in Fort Lauderdale faces this journey alone.
If you want to learn more or get involved, contact us today. Together, we can make a difference.