WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the availability of $193 million in funding to help communities across the country prevent and address youth homelessness through housing-focused programs and supportive services.
The funding opportunity is designed to help local communities strengthen youth homelessness response systems while expanding access to housing and support programs that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency for vulnerable young people.
According to HUD, the funding will support the development and implementation of projects aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local youth homelessness systems. Resources will also be available for Transitional Housing and Supportive Services programs that combine stable housing with wraparound services designed to help youth transition successfully into adulthood.
HUD officials said the decision to combine the funding opportunities into a single Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) reflects the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the complex challenges facing homeless and at-risk youth.
“Every American should grow up in a safe and loving home,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. “HUD is pleased to announce this funding opportunity as we focus on partnering with communities to provide stability, resources, and healing to vulnerable youth. The Trump administration is committed to supporting youth with housing resources to help them reunite with family or gain independence to pursue the American Dream.”
The announcement builds on several recent federal initiatives focused on improving outcomes for young people, particularly those transitioning from foster care systems into independent living. Housing advocates have long identified former foster youth as one of the populations most vulnerable to homelessness, citing limited support networks and financial resources as key challenges during the transition to adulthood.
HUD noted that First Lady Melania Trump recently highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for foster youth following the signing of the Executive Order on Fostering the Future for American Children and Families. Earlier this year, Secretary Turner also hosted roundtable discussions with young adults in Denver, Pittsburgh, and San Antonio to gather feedback on HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program and identify opportunities for stronger coordination among housing and social service providers.
Federal officials say those conversations helped inform ongoing efforts to prevent homelessness among young people aging out of foster care and other vulnerable populations.
The newly announced funding is open to a broad range of applicants, including state and local governments, federally recognized Tribal governments and Tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community-based service providers. HUD also encouraged faith-based organizations to participate in the application process.
Housing experts say investments in transitional housing and supportive services can play a critical role in helping youth avoid long-term homelessness by providing not only shelter but also access to education, employment assistance, mental health resources, and life-skills training.
Communities selected for funding will be expected to develop programs that align housing solutions with supportive services, helping young people achieve greater stability while building pathways toward independence.
Applications for the funding opportunity must be submitted by August 10, 2026.
The announcement represents one of the largest federal investments in youth homelessness programs this year and underscores the growing focus on prevention, housing stability, and coordinated community responses to one of the nation’s most persistent social challenges.
