$25,000 Foxwynd Foundation Grant to Support Homelessness Prevention

We are thrilled to announce a generous new Foxwynd Foundation grant for $25,000 to support the Rapid Response Program, focusing on preventing homelessness among transition-aged foster youth impacted by the foster care system. 

This significant grant is made even more impactful by a matching campaign, which aims to double donations to maximize reach for foster youth. For every dollar raised, another dollar will be donated towards providing crucial resources and support. This expanded support will help achieve housing stability for twice as many foster youth, setting a solid foundation for independent living.

What the Foxwynd Foundation Grant Means for the Future of Foster Youth

With the Foxwynd Foundation’s support, we can direct 100% of the $25,000 grant towards providing essential services to at-risk youth. This funding will directly support up to 50 individuals, covering crucial needs such as housing costs, groceries, and utilities, including phone bills, internet, water, and electricity. Additionally, the grant will help with transportation to work and even educational expenses like tuition and technology. These are important to keeping foster youth housed and secure in their futures.

The grant’s requirements for a matching campaign mean that for every dollar we raise, we can effectively double the impact bringing our total reach to 100 foster youths! This expanded support is transformative for the Rapid Response Program and will increase our capacity to help young people transition smoothly into independent living and maintain that security.

Impact of the Rapid Response Program

The Rapid Response Program was created to meet the urgent needs of foster youth as they transition out of the foster care system. Many of these young adults face significant challenges, including housing instability and a lack of support systems. Unlike their peers, there is often no safety net like family to fall back on during difficult times. By providing immediate assistance, the program helps bridge a critical gap during their most vulnerable moments.

Since its inception, the Rapid Response Program has played a pivotal role in helping hundreds of former foster youth avoid homelessness and build stable lives for themselves. Through partnerships with local organizations and businesses, we have provided essential services and support to those in need. This has resulted in higher employment rates, education attainment, and overall well-being among our program participants.

And now, with the generous support of the Foxwynd Foundation grant, we can make an even greater impact on the lives of foster youth. This additional funding enables us to address the urgent needs of transition-aged foster youth more effectively. Without the stress of worrying about staying housed, foster youth can concentrate on other aspects of their lives such as education or securing employment. 

The Importance of Preventing Homelessness Among Foster Youth

Homelessness is a major issue facing foster youth aging out of the system, with 31-46% experiencing homelessness by age 26, and for longer periods compared to those outside of the system. Alarmingly, nearly half of the homeless population is made up of former foster youth, and without adequate support, many transition-aged foster youth face a higher risk of homelessness.

About 20,000 exit the system annually and “face greater obstacles to accessing and maintaining housing and as a result experience higher rates of homelessness and housing instability compared to the general population.” Foster youth with mental health disorders and those who experienced abuse are also more likely to become homeless, further stressing the need for proper support and resources for these vulnerable individuals.

The best way to reduce homelessness among foster youth is for them to have a reliable support system, which is what the Rapid Response Program strives to provide. By addressing immediate needs, the program exists as a safety net. With a large network of assistance stemming from The Foxwnd Foundation’s aid, we can help foster youth avoid homelessness and achieve long-term stability.

How You Can Help

Our matching campaign will run through 2024, and will likely extend into 2025 to ensure we reach our fundraising goals. We invite you to be a part of this critical work. Your support can help transform lives and provide the stability former foster youth need to stay housed and thriving. This campaign offers a powerful way to double the impact of your contributions.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Support the Foxwynd Foundation’s Matching Campaign: Every dollar will be matched, effectively doubling the support we can provide. Every $250 donation will help cover essential costs for one transition-aged foster youth.
• Spread the Word: Share information about the Rapid Response Program with family, friends, and colleagues. The more people who know about this opportunity to support, the greater our impact and reach. 

To learn more about how you can contribute to the campaign and support the Rapid Response Program, visit Foster Love’s donation page for the Rapid Response Program. Together, we can make a lasting difference and provide foster youth the stability and support they need to thrive.

Transitioning out of foster care can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. For many foster youth, they have spent most of their lives in the system, often moving from one home to another, never having stability or a sense of belonging. As they age out, they are expected to suddenly navigate the adult world on their own, without the support system that most young adults rely on. We can continue to provide them with that much-needed support system through the Rapid Response Program.

Thank you to the Foxwynd Foundation for their generous support and commitment to this crucial cause, and thank you for taking the time to learn about this opportunity to help foster youth with an important issue!