Jasmine experienced homelessness on and off after exiting the foster care system when she turned 18. After years of constant stress over where she was going to sleep each night, she began researching programs to help find housing. Through her research, she learned she was eligible for the Family Unification Program (FUP), which provides Housing Choice Vouchers to transition-age youth who have exited the foster care system and have not yet reached age 25.
Then 24, Jasmine sprang into action. She applied for the FUP program through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), which connected her with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). She began working with a housing navigator at LACDA, who helped her secure the necessary paperwork to apply for the voucher, identify housing leads, and submit applications for available units. Eventually, they found a perfect one-bedroom home.
Jasmine moved in just three days before her 25th birthday. Now that she finally feels comfortable and safe in her own space, Jasmine is back in school and deciding on a future career path.