LAKELAND, Fla. — According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, youth who age out of foster care often lose the support and stability provided by the system, leading to a high risk of homelessness.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the U.S. Department of Housing and urban development, youth who age out of foster care often lose the support and stability provided by the system, leading to a high risk of homelessness

  • HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence program made $13 million available for public housing agencies to address this problem

  • 22-year-old Shiane Bunch says she struggled to find housing since aging out of the foster care system about a year ago, but found Swan Lake, an affordable housing community in Lakeland

“Looking for housing, especially without a reference, is a struggle,” said first-time renter Shiane Bunch.

The 22-year-old says she struggled to find housing since aging out of the foster care system about a year ago.

Then she learned about Swan Lake Village, a new affordable housing development by Blue Sky Communities in Lakeland.

“I learned they accept foster kids, and it was section 8, so I thought it was good to get in here and take the chance, and I finally got in,” said Bunch. 

She says it’s the best decision she’s made yet as an adult. 

“I love it here. It’s beautiful,” said Bunch.

According to the Community Assisted and Supported Living organization (CASL), some young adults who grew up in foster care may not have completed their education or have the necessary skills to secure stable employment. 

CASL says this can also be a barrier to securing housing.

This year, HUD’s Foster Youth to Independence program made $13 million available for public housing agencies, like Swan Lake, to address this problem.

Vivianne Vanador, a case manager with CASL, says on-site services at Swan Lake offer extra support, like counseling, to help clients transition from foster care to independent living.  

“It’s like they’re still in that frame of mind as a teenager even though they are in their 20s,” said Vanador. “That’s where I come in.” 

She helps with things like housing vouchers, finding a job, rides to doctor’s appointments and weekly grocery deliveries.

“I love the support and guidance that I receive here at CASL,” said Bunch, “Living on my own, I do have type one diabetes, so I was a little scared, but they helped me open my mind.” 

Bunch says the odds can be stacked against people who’ve been in foster care seeking independence.

“Especially with the rent. How hard it is now, it’s hard to find a place,” she said. “Foster care wasn’t that great of an experience, but it did help me stability-wise.”

Now with stable housing and a new job, Bunch says she can focus on building the future of her dreams. 

She hopes to inspire other young people currently in foster care that they can do the same.