Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act of 2019

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4300, the Fostering Stable Housing Opportunities Act.

Each year, Mr. Speaker, roughly 20,000 youth age out of foster care. Young adults without families who exit the foster care system are incredibly vulnerable to homelessness. A number of studies show that between 11 and 36 percent of these young people who age out of our foster care system experience homelessness.

These foster youth need and deserve our support. A stable roof over their heads can allow these young men and women to pursue an education or a career. A home can be a bedrock from which they can build their lives and protect them from crimes like human trafficking.

It will also help these young adults by allowing up to 2 years of extensions if they enroll in HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency program, pursue education or workforce development, or gain employment.

It is our duty, Mr. Speaker, to protect these young men and women from being jettisoned from our foster care system and onto the streets. This bill doesn't just give them a roof over their heads; it gives them the ability to build a future.

I applaud the sponsors of H.R. 4300, Ms. Dean and Mr. Stivers, and I would like to acknowledge, in particular, the hard work that my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner) has put into this bill over the last few years. He has been a true champion of this issue, and should be commended for his dedication.

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