Zenzinger’s Bipartisan Bill to Help Former Foster Youth Find Housing Clears Committee

SB23-082 will provide housing vouchers and case management services to individuals who were part of the foster or kinship care system and are at risk of homelessness

DENVER, CO –  Senator Rachel Zenzinger’s, D-Arvada, bipartisan bill to establish the Colorado Fostering Success voucher program passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee today with unanimous support.

Cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Brighton, SB23-082 will create housing vouchers for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who are ages 18 to 26 and have aged out of the foster or kinship care system. Recipients of vouchers will be required to contribute to their cost of housing, but that amount must not exceed 30 percent of the total cost.

"Young adults who have aged out of the foster care system face extraordinary obstacles and often experience higher rates of housing insecurity than their peers," said Zenzinger. "This voucher program will help these Coloradans avoid homelessness and help them be successful, self-reliant adults.”

Additionally, the bill includes case management services for individuals in the Colorado Fostering Success voucher program. It is expected to alleviate housing security concerns for 100 individuals.

SB23-082 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.