Former foster youth make up half the homeless population in the U.S.

The Rapid Response Program is a safety net program that provides essential assistance for college-aged former foster youth transitioning out of the system to keep them housed.

Over $2.8 million has gone toward addressing urgent needs including rent, utility bills, groceries, and more. By partnering with educational institutions and government agencies, we ensure that students have the support they need to stay housed and succeed academically.

Approximately 20-30% of youth aging out of the foster care system experience homelessness within the first few years after leaving care.

20,000 youth age out of the foster care system in the U.S. each year. Without a stable support system, many of these young adults struggle to secure housing and employment.

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Foster Youth in America

In March of 2020, Foster Love launched the Rapid Response Program to address the urgent needs impacting college students with foster care experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. By 2024, the program had supported over 3,000 students and secured more than $2 million in direct funding nationwide. Foster Love is dedicated to removing obstacles that hinder students progress in higher education so they can focus on achieving their educational dreams.

Rapid Response Provides Emergency Funding
For The Following:

  • Housing Costs

    Expenses solely for student, not entire households.

  • Grocery Assistance

    Grocery stipend or gift card and meal plans.

  • Utilities & Personal Expenses

    Cell phone, internet, water, and electricity bills considered.

  • Transportation & Relocation

    This is available for academic or employment purposes.

  • Educational Expenses

    This covers textbooks, supplies, limited tuition, and other needs.

  • Technology for Education

    Laptop, wifi, hotspots, printers, and other needs.

How Does Foster Love Help Homeless Prevention?

By providing emergency help for former foster youth, the Rapid Response Program plays a crucial role in preventing homelessness. With immediate financial support for rent, utilities, and other essential needs, the program ensures that former foster youth can avoid eviction and maintain secure housing. This assistance bridges the gap during their transition out of the foster care system, reducing the risk of homelessness and allowing them to focus on building a successful future.

Your Impact In Action

  • Foster Love, you’re good people! Thanks for not judging and understanding your clients with various needs. Thank you again for everything, you really are such a hero in so many peoples’ eyes and this is the type of work that I promise I will truly give back to those who’ve given to me

    - Eric

  • Foster Love/Rapid Response has impacted me in various ways. They have made sure I get food on my table and have helped me pay rent. I was given this opportunity and it has made me see that I'm not alone in this world and that there are good people out there who are rooting for my success. I'm one step closer to finishing college.

    - Cristal

  • I lost my job of 2 years due to budget cuts. I was informed my landlord had sold the property and I had 60 days to move out. I had an emergency that landed me in the hospital for a week, needing 3 blood transfusions. Foster Love was like seeing a rainbow right after a storm. It reminded me to keep pushing forward and that this terrible situation is only temporary.

    - Elizabeth

  • Foster Love has profoundly impacted my life, particularly during a challenging time when my roommate passed away, leaving me facing potential homelessness and the prospect of dropping out of school. Thanks to your support, I was able to secure a new apartment and even enjoyed a memorable shopping spree.

    - Chris

  • I was about to lose my apartment and was behind 2 months on rent. I had gotten sick and lost my hours at work. Foster Love immediately replied back to me and helped me with rent and I was caught up and able to get back on my feet. If I didn’t have help from them I would have had an eviction and not been able to get a new place. Thanks again, guys!

    - Janessa