At Covenant House New Jersey, we are helping youth find housing and hope. We believe that every young person deserves the chance to build a safe and stable future. But for youth who seek our help, that future is often filled with uncertainty. Many face housing insecurity—or worse, homelessness—with few support systems to help them transition into adulthood.
That’s why we’re proud to lead the expansion of the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) housing voucher program across the state. FYI provides up to 36 months of rental assistance for youth exiting foster care or at risk of homelessness. This program is more than just housing—it’s a pathway to independence.
A Statewide Collaboration That’s Changing Lives
CHNJ plays a unique role in the FYI program. In addition to our role as a social service provider, we’ve taken on the responsibility of improving access to the program across New Jersey. We’re working closely with the Department of Children and Families, the Office of Housing, and multiple housing authorities across the state to ensure more youth can benefit from this opportunity.
So far, we’ve helped implement the FYI program in Newark, Jersey City, Monmouth County, and Asbury Park, with plans to expand to Pleasantville. Thanks to this collaboration, over 50 former foster youth have already secured stable housing—and we’re just getting started. With lengthy waiting lists for beds at our Youth Engagement Centers (YEC), FYI facilitates movement from our YEC beds into longer term housing so that we can serve more youth overall.
More Than a Voucher: Wraparound Services That Empower
Our support doesn’t end once a youth receives a housing voucher. At CHNJ, we walk alongside each young person every step of the way. Our comprehensive services as provided by our Housing Specialists and the Dove Learning Center include:
- Life skills coaching in budgeting, meal preparation, and credit management
- Healthcare access including physical, mental, and mental health support
- Job readiness training focused on resume building, interviews, and workplace relationships
- Educational counseling to pursue GEDs, trade school, or college
- Assistance with security deposits and lease compliance requirements
Our team also helps with housing identification, builds relationships with landlords, and provides move-in assistance, ensuring each unit meets housing quality standards and is ready for a fresh start.
Supporting Long-Term Success
We know that having a roof over your head is only part of the journey. That’s why we also support healthy tenant/landlord relationships, helping youth review lease agreements, understand their rights and responsibilities, and practice positive communication and conflict resolution. Our goal is not just to place youth in apartments—but to help each young person succeed independently.
Together, We’re Expanding What’s Possible
By investing in youth who are facing homelessness, we’re not just providing housing—helping youth find housing and hope and a future. Thanks to generous supporters, we’re able to expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and serve more youth than ever before. (Our FY24 Impact Report)
At CHNJ, we are helping young people as they step into independence—because every youth deserves the chance to thrive.
