LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington has received a $46,000 federal grant to help young people who are transitioning out of foster care avoid homelessness.
“Often times we think of homelessness as being centered around adults and senior citizens, however, this grant allows us to bring to the forefront the issues centered around youth transitioning out of foster care who are at risk of homelessness,” said Austin Simms, Lexington Housing Authority Executive Director.
The Housing Authority led the effort to win the grant, the highest level of funding awarded nationwide.
The Housing Authority will work with the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the City’s Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention to implement the grant.
Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric C. Friedlander said providing safety and affordable housing to former foster youth is part of the continuum of care the Cabinet aims to provide, particularly through its transitional services program.
“With partners like Lexington Housing Authority, and funding through this Housing and Urban Development initiative, we can empower many more foster alumni, and prevent them from ever experiencing homelessness,” Friedlander said. “Now more than ever, we strive for the secure shelter of every youth in transition out of foster care.”
