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April

Colorado

“Having my own apartment has finally given me the capability to be my own self within my living areas and live an honest life. I can express myself freely and continue to mature into the responsible, loving, and courageous adult I am. Being able to utilize the FYI voucher has made reaching the level of independence I desired attainable and less stressful. I can focus more on my schooling and future without having to worry about the high cost of living in Colorado. My rent is affordable, and I have the assistance I need to begin and continue into adulthood, and most importantly I now have an actual home! My advice to someone leaving foster care – don’t lose hope when times are tough, and you feel stuck. Use all the negative things that are happening to you now and in the past to fuel your fire to exceed and accomplish your dreams.”

April grew up in Texas and moved to Colorado in August of 2016. She has been in and out of the foster care system since the age of twelve. After she was removed from her mother, she went through seven different homes. After each move, she would continue to lose hope of ever being happy again, but it also motivated her to strive in her academics and dream of the future most kids are handed. April has received housing assistance through HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence Program, and it has positively impacted her life with the stability she lacked for so long. She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a career in geriatric nursing. She also plans on developing more independent living skills and seeking relationships that are going to further her adventurous life. In July 2019, Secretary Carson launched the Foster to Youth Independence initiative, providing housing vouchers to public housing authorities to prevent and end homelessness among young adults who recently left the foster care system without a home. Since then, HUD has awarded more than $5.5 million and approximately 680 vouchers nationwide to assist young adults.