WASHINGTON, D.C. — First Lady Melania Trump has secured a $25 million investment in President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget aimed at supporting youth transitioning out of foster care, marking a significant expansion of her BE BEST initiative.
The funding, allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will enhance the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) program, which provides rental assistance and wraparound services for individuals under 25 aging out of the foster system.
“I am proud to have successfully secured $25 million to provide housing for individuals aging out of foster care,” said the First Lady. “This is another essential measure that ensures the safety, welfare, and autonomy of those in the foster community.”
HUD Secretary Scott Turner praised the initiative, calling it a “game changer” for at-risk young adults. “This dedicated funding will prevent homelessness and promote long-term stability for youth leaving foster care,” Turner said. “I am so appreciative of the First Lady’s leadership and her commitment to real solutions for our nation’s foster youth.”
The announcement aligns with National Foster Care Month and marks the seventh anniversary of the BE BEST initiative, which includes a foster-focused program called Fostering the Future. The funding reflects Mrs. Trump’s continued focus on child well-being and public-private partnerships aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable youth.
Each year, over 20,000 young people exit the foster care system, many facing housing insecurity or homelessness. The FYI program aims to bridge this gap by connecting them with stable housing, education opportunities, and career pathways.
The $25 million investment is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to strengthen transitional support systems and prevent homelessness among vulnerable populations.
