HR 2479119th CongressIn Committee

Homes for Young Adults Act of 2025

Introduced: Mar 27, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Homes for Young Adults Act of 2025 would, starting in FY2027, create an entitlement to housing choice voucher (HCV) rental assistance specifically for youth and young adults (ages 18–30, or emancipated minors) who are unstably housed and otherwise eligible for tenant-based assistance under the 1937 Housing Act. The bill would expand funding for these vouchers and related administrative costs, require HUD to designate or form regional public housing agency (PHA) structures to administer the program, and pair the assistance with robust supportive services (housing navigation, job training, education access, legal assistance, safety planning, and more). It also emphasizes self-sufficiency, strengthens fairness in screening, improves access for people with limited English proficiency, and requires appropriate privacy protections and regular reporting. The overall goal is to reduce homelessness and housing instability among youth and young adults by removing barriers to access, speeding up placement, and promoting long-term stability.

Key Points

1Entitlement for youth housing vouchers: Beginning in FY2027, any eligible household that includes a youth or young adult (18–30 or emancipated) and otherwise qualifies for tenant-based rental assistance under section 8(o) would be entitled to that assistance for as long as they remain eligible.
2Admin and funding structure: The bill authorizes funding for vouchers and related administrative fees (modifying 8(o) and 8(q) mechanisms). It also directs the Secretary to encourage regional consortia of PHAs to administer the program and to designate PHAs to administer assistance in areas lacking adequate local administration.
3Support services: PHAs administering the program must provide a set of support services (housing navigation, job-skill training, education access, legal/tenant protection services, assistance applying for other federal programs, and safety planning) that youth can access at any time, with clear information about these services.
4Housing choice and flexibility: The voucher recipient has broad discretion to choose a dwelling, with consideration given to factors like geography, cost of living, access to essentials, housing type preference (individual vs. shared), and other household needs.
5Mediation, appeal, and protections: Agencies must offer an ombudsman to mediate disputes with landlords and provide an appeal process for adverse decisions, including consideration of mitigating circumstances (and protections against discriminatory practices).
6Immigration status and privacy: Eligibility cannot be limited by citizenship or migratory status beyond existing limits, and the bill requires privacy protections for households.
7Self-sufficiency incentives: The Secretary may boost administrative fees and provide incentives to PHAs that coordinate youth participation in self-sufficiency programs and encourage landlord participation in non-discriminatory housing with voucher holders.
8Enforcement and screening reforms: HUD must issue regulations on housing quality standards, and PHAs’ screening must be limited to criteria directly related to lease obligations, with mitigation for factors like income discrimination, parental status, age, migratory status, etc., plus an opportunity for an informal hearing.
9Access for limited English proficiency (LEP): HUD must create a LEP plan including a task force to identify essential translated documents, translations in necessary languages, a housing information resource center with translation services, a toll-free interpreter line, a document clearinghouse, and a study of language assistance programs. Annual reporting on compliance is required.
10Appropriations: The bill authorizes sufficient funds for 2027 and beyond to carry out the Act’s provisions.

Impact Areas

Primary groups/areas affected:- Youth and young adults (ages 18–30, including emancipated minors) who are unstably housed and eligible for tenant-based rental assistance.- Public housing agencies (PHAs) and regional housing authorities that would administer the new entitlement and associated services.- Landlords participating in the program (with incentives to accept tenants with vouchers and avoid discrimination).Secondary groups/areas affected:- Non-English-speaking populations, including individuals with limited English proficiency, through improved access and language services.- Families and communities affected by youth homelessness, with potential downstream benefits in health, education, and stability.Additional impacts:- Cross-agency coordination among HUD, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services to address prevention and end of youth homelessness.- Potential improvements in housing stability, reduced use of congregate shelters, and long-term cost savings in healthcare and social services due to better outcomes for youth.- Increased administrative and regulatory workload for HUD and PHAs to implement new vouchers, services, screening reforms, and LEP measures; sustained funding will be required.- Emphasis on fair housing and anti-discrimination protections, including considerations related to age and other mitigating factors in screening.

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