PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia child welfare officials recently awarded a $1 million contract to Valley Youth House to provide rental assistance to children who have aged out of foster care. The aid targets a group that is among the most vulnerable to becoming homeless.
Two years ago, James Allen was on top of the world when he found permanent housing at the Gloria Casarez Residence in North Philadelphia, after a hard journey through the foster care system, triggered when he came out as bisexual as a teenager.
But in the pandemic, he lost his job and didn't have the kind of safety net that other 21-year-olds—those with families—might have.
"I didn't really call a close relative. I'm not really in touch with my family like that," he shared.
Allen is not alone. Deputy Human Services Commissioner Sam Harrison said about 150 foster youth in Philadelphia turn 21 each year.
"Historically," he admitted, "the child welfare system hasn't done the best job helping these young people transition into their adult journey."
Harrison said the Youth Rental Assistance program is an effort to do a better job of helping them find and keep housing. He explained it will also provide move-in assistance, utility help, connection to education and employment, life skills training, social support and relationship development guidance.
Harrison said, as a father himself, he knows children rely on family for support long after they technically become adults.
"These are the same things we want to do for children," he said, "who don't have those same advantages."
