Manchin, Capito Announce Funding To Prevent Children and Youth Homelessness In West Virginia

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $36,485 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to housing authorities in Charleston, Fairmont and Morgantown. This funding will support children and youth experiencing homelessness. Additional funding will be used to provide homeownership fees to low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities.

 

“Ensuring every child in West Virginia has a warm place to sleep and a roof over their head continues to be one of my top priorities. Over 10,000 children in West Virginia are currently experiencing homelessness and due to high unemployment, unstable living conditions and job insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, West Virginia is experiencing significant increases in children and youth homelessness. And because the pandemic kept most students at home, it has been nearly impossible for schools to identify students experiencing homelessness,” said Senator Manchin. “I am pleased HUD is investing in our housing authorities to help prevent homelessness among children and youth. I will continue to advocate for funding and resources to ensure every West Virginian – especially our children and youth – have access to affordable, quality housing.”

 

In the United States, over 1.5 million children and youth are currently experiencing homelessness. In West Virginia alone there are over 10,000 children and youth currently experiencing homelessness.

“Far too many individuals in West Virginia struggle with homelessness and access to affordable housing. That’s why it’s incredibly important that our public housing sector be equipped to handle these challenges and provide support and stability for West Virginians in their time of need. Its welcome news to see this funding coming to our state to support important housing programs, particularly the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative. Making investments like these provides for a safer and healthier West Virginia,” Senator Capito said.

 

Homeless Foster Youth to Independence Initiative (FYI): Provides FYI Vouchers for youth who are eligible under the Family Unification Program (FUP) and is a collaborative effort to prevent and end homelessness among youth with a current or prior history of child welfare.

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program: Assists low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market.

A timeline of Senator Manchin’s efforts to address children and youth homelessness can be found here.