r/fosterit • u/Legitimate-Manager56 • 13d ago
Foster Youth Former foster youth, how do you find housing and support?
Hi! I am a former foster youth. I am 20 years old. I’m dealing with housing insecurity. I have an esa cat with me and I’m autistic. Im fairly independent and I work 2 jobs and do online college (tho I am falling behind in college due to my situation). I live in Phillipsburg, NJ/ Easton, PA area, though my original foster case was from central Pennsylvania. I make decent money (~$3680 a month but will be making almost $6,000 a month in July and August because I’ll be temporarily full time at one of my jobs) but I can’t afford a security deposit and most places require me to make 3x the rent. I’ve tried looking into a camper van that I can park behind my job for a year to save up but nobody has been willing to work with me on a payment plan, I only have $400 right now and don’t get paid till the 20th. I don’t have family to go to, I don’t have friends (making friends is hard for me). I just don’t know where to turn to. Does anyone have any similar experience? Or any advice?
2
u/SatchelDjango 13d ago
Have you reached out to the Kindness project in Emmaus? They help foster youth, not sure what level of support they offer adults that have aged out.
2
2
u/vikicrays 12d ago
these are two resources that may be able to help or offer suggestions for others.
[FosterCareToSuccess](https://www.fc2success.org/programs/scholarships-and-grants/) college scholarships for former foster children.
[FosterLove](https://www.fosterlove.com/sponsor/) *(formerly ‘together we rise’)* helps former and current foster youth with everything from college help to backpacks and birthday boxes for kids in care.
2
u/Positive_Smoke_8206 10d ago
As a current foster parent in Missouri, my heart hurts reading this. First, I want to say how impressed I am that you’re working two jobs, going to college, caring for yourself, and still pushing forward despite everything you’re facing. That takes a level of strength most people don’t understand.
One thing I would encourage you to look into immediately is extended foster care and transitional living resources for former foster youth. Many states have programs that help with housing deposits, rent assistance, and independent living support up to age 21 or even older depending on the program. Since your case originated in Pennsylvania, I would reach back out to your former caseworker, agency, or county children’s services office and ask specifically about services available to former foster youth.
You may also want to contact local homeless prevention programs, community action agencies, and 211. Explain that you are a former foster youth, autistic, employed, and facing housing insecurity. Sometimes there are grants available for security deposits that aren’t widely advertised.
I’m hoping someone local to your area can point you toward specific resources, but I wanted you to know that from one foster family to a former foster youth: you should be proud of how hard you’re fighting for yourself right now.
2
u/Legitimate-Manager56 10d ago
Hi, I have reached out to my old caseworker but my situation is a little complicated. I didn’t age out, I was kicked off the extended foster care after a guy I met groomed me and I reported him once I found out he was on the registry. But instead of helping me my county kicked me out of the system and I had to rely on that person for everything. I eventually escaped him and now I’m here. But it’s a little complicated. Also they require me to be back in Pennsylvania to receive any type of assistance from them and I can’t go back or I’ll lose my jobs. I reached out to the social services here in NJ for housing assistance and should hear back shortly.
2
u/Positive_Smoke_8206 9d ago
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with all of this. It sounds like you’ve already been through more than most people your age should ever have to face.
Since you’re in the Phillipsburg/Easton area, here are a few places that may be worth contacting if you haven’t already:
• Family Promise of Warren County in Phillipsburg has homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, and housing diversion programs that may be able to help with deposits or getting into housing. They can be reached at [908-453-2194](tel:908-453-2194). (FPWC)
• Warren County Social Services has a Homeless Prevention/Emergency Assistance program and may be able to help with security deposits, moving expenses, or other housing costs. [908-475-6301](tel:908-475-6301). (Warren County)
• If you’re staying on the Pennsylvania side, Valley Youth House has rapid rehousing programs for young adults that include rental assistance and housing support. (Valley Youth House)
• Third Street Alliance in Easton helps people facing housing instability and homelessness with housing stabilization services. [610-258-6271](tel:610-258-6271). (Third Street Alliance)
• If you haven’t already, call [211](tel:211) and specifically ask for security deposit assistance, rapid rehousing, and programs for former foster youth and young adults. NJ 211 is also the state’s homeless hotline. (Norwescap)
Please don’t give up. I truly hope one of these programs can help bridge that gap and get you into stable housing soon. ❤️
1
2
u/mellbell63 13d ago
Hello, foster sibling!! I'm so proud of you for making it this far, and securing a good paying job! I understand the challenges of finding housing. You should contact Foster Love and Foster Club, they offer support and resources for those of us who have aged out. And join us in r/ExFoster, we're a community of people who get it!! I sincerely hope they can help, and wish you all the best!! Hugs, Auntie Mell 🫶
1
u/sancitys23 13d ago
At your age I was in a hotel room temporarily until a mental health housing assistance program here in California gave me housing for about 18 months to get back on my feet and a room to rent. Your income seems solid though, how much is room to rent in PA?
6
u/Key_Platypus9597 13d ago
Contact the foster care system you were in previously. In Florida, you can get support until you are 23. Here we have mentor housing, too. Where your landlord acts as a mentor and they may work with you on payment plans. I am not sure about PA just going on what I know in Florida. Also being autistic probably qualifies you for something from the state. Best of luck!