First Lady Melania Trump secures $25 million in federal funding to prevent homelessness among youth aging out of foster care through HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence program.
At a Glance
- The Foster Youth to Independence program will receive $25 million in the President’s 2026 fiscal year budget
- Funding aims to provide housing and support services for young people transitioning from foster care to independent living
- The announcement coincides with the 7th anniversary of the First Lady’s “BE BEST” initiative
- President Trump proclaimed May 2025 as National Foster Care Month to highlight the needs of foster youth
- HUD Secretary Scott Turner praised the First Lady’s commitment to preventing youth homelessness
First Lady Champions Foster Youth Housing Initiative
First Lady Melania Trump has secured a major victory for young adults aging out of the foster care system with a $25 million investment in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Foster Youth to Independence program. The funding, included in President Trump’s 2026 fiscal year budget, will provide critical housing assistance and supportive services to help vulnerable youth transition successfully to independent living. This significant financial commitment represents a concrete step toward addressing the housing instability often faced by the approximately 20,000 young people who age out of foster care annually.
The announcement comes as part of the 7th anniversary celebration of Mrs. Trump’s “BE BEST” initiative, which has consistently focused on improving the lives and well-being of children. The First Lady has maintained youth homelessness prevention as a cornerstone of her platform throughout her tenure, working closely with federal agencies to develop practical solutions for at-risk young adults. This latest funding allocation demonstrates the administration’s continued dedication to supporting America’s foster youth as they navigate the challenging path to self-sufficiency.
Housing Support and Homelessness Prevention
HUD Secretary Scott Turner commended the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to addressing the housing needs of former foster youth. “Thanks to First Lady Melania Trump’s leadership, this $25 million investment will prevent homelessness among foster youth aging out of the system,” Turner stated. The Foster Youth to Independence program provides targeted housing vouchers and support services specifically designed to help young adults establish stable living situations during a critical transitional period in their lives.
Youth exiting foster care face disproportionately high rates of homelessness and housing instability. Studies have shown that without adequate support systems, as many as 37% of former foster youth experience homelessness by age 21. The expanded funding will allow HUD to serve thousands more eligible young adults nationwide, providing them with housing vouchers and connecting them with resources for education, employment, and life skills development. This comprehensive approach addresses not only immediate housing needs but also the long-term stability necessary for successful independent living.
National Recognition of Foster Care Needs
Coinciding with the funding announcement, President Trump signed a proclamation designating May 2025 as National Foster Care Month. This declaration highlights the administration’s focus on improving outcomes for children and youth in the foster care system. The proclamation builds upon previous policy initiatives, including the Family First Prevention Services Act, which President Trump signed to help prevent children from entering foster care by providing support services to families in crisis.
The First Lady’s advocacy for foster youth extends beyond this recent funding victory. Mrs. Trump has consistently used her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children and young adults in the foster care system. During the same week as the funding announcement, she hosted military mothers at the White House, further demonstrating her commitment to supporting American families, particularly those making sacrifices for the nation.
The $25 million investment represents one of the largest dedicated funding allocations for youth aging out of foster care in recent years. Housing experts anticipate that the expanded program will significantly reduce homelessness rates among this vulnerable population while providing a foundation for educational achievement, employment stability, and improved health outcomes. The bipartisan support for the initiative reflects a growing national recognition of the importance of supporting youth during their transition from foster care to independence.
