The bill establishes a new housing assistance program specifically for youth enrolled in extended foster care in Washington State. It recognizes that a significant percentage of these young individuals experience homelessness and face challenges in accessing federal housing vouchers without losing their support from extended foster care. The program aims to provide rental assistance and associated housing fees to eligible youth, ensuring they have stable housing while preparing for independence. Eligibility criteria include being a recipient of extended foster care services and either experiencing homelessness or being at imminent risk of homelessness. The program will offer rental assistance for up to 36 months, with specific guidelines on the amount based on fair market rent and the youth's income.
Additionally, the bill mandates a transition planning process for youth in extended foster care, which must begin at least three months before their 21st birthday. This process will assess their housing and financial stability, assist them in applying for federally funded housing vouchers, and provide referrals to various support services, including education and health care. The department responsible for the program will also collect annual data on the housing status of these youth to monitor the program's effectiveness and ensure that all eligible individuals receive the necessary assistance.