Youth receiving housing advocacy services must meet all three of the following criteria: 1. Be at least 17 ½ and less than 21 years of age; (Youth referred for a Family Unification Program or Fostering Youth Initiative housing subsidy can receive services after they turn 21.) 2. Be legally the responsibility of DCFS, or have aged out of DCFS care; (Note: Youth that entered adoption or subsidized guardianship after their 14th birthday are also eligible.); and 3. Have an income that is sufficient to meet rent and utility costs; or be working on obtaining that income. (While housing advocacy can begin before income is in place, it is extremely unlikely that youth will be able to secure housing without sufficient income. Housing advocates can often help with employment.)

Cash Assistance Assistance will vary depending on a client’s situation. Cash assistance may be authorized for the following reasons: • Housing security deposit • Rent (limited circumstances) • Beds for the client and the client’s children • Current utility bills or utility deposits • Appliances • Partial housing subsidy for a period of one year following case closure (housing costs must exceed 30% of income and assistance cannot continue past the client’s 21st birthday) • Other items required by the client to avoid or manage a crisis