New York City Needs to Create Housing Supports for Foster Youth By Cheyanne Deopersaud

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Next100 policy entrepreneur Cheyanne Deopersaud presented testimony to the New York City Council, Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises concerning the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning reform proposal. The testimony, a version of which you can read below, urges the Council to take additional steps to prioritize affordable housing for young people in foster care and young adults transitioning out of care.

Good Afternoon, Chairperson Riley and members of the New York City Council.

My name is Cheyanne Deopersaud, and I am here on behalf of The Center for Fair Futures and Next100, which are organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for youth and young adults transitioning out of the foster care system. Today, we express our strong support for the City of Yes housing initiative and emphasize the urgent need for affordable housing solutions to ensure that youth in foster care in New York City can thrive.

Young people in foster care are some of the most vulnerable members of our community. As they age out of the foster care system, many face immense challenges, including housing instability. In fact, an average of one out of every four youth in foster care will become homeless within four years of aging out of foster care. In New York City, the high cost of housing makes it nearly impossible for many young people transitioning out of foster care to find stable, affordable places to live, leaving them at increased risk of homelessness and other negative outcomes.

Without stable housing, these young people face an uphill battle as they try to complete their education, find employment, and build independent lives.

We urge the Council to take additional steps to prioritize affordable housing for young people in foster care and young adults transitioning out of care and set aside units in new developments or offering targeted rental assistance and supportive services. Doing so can help prevent homelessness among this population and provide them with the stability they need to succeed.

As a youth who has aged out of the child welfare system, I understand firsthand how critical stable housing is for young people in foster care. With the right support, these young people can go on to lead successful, independent lives. We believe the City of Yes initiative is vital to creating a future where all young people, including those aging out of foster care, have access to safe and affordable housing.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue.