"Secure the Bag" Program
Helping young adults with foster care experience successfully transition into stable housing — through financial assistance and life skills preparation.
A New Kind of Support
The Secure the Bag Housing Assistance Program is designed to help young adults with foster care experience successfully transition into stable housing by providing financial assistance and life skills preparation.
Rather than simply providing financial assistance, our program equips participants with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to maintain long-term housing stability and independence.
Eligible participants may receive assistance with:
- Apartment application fees
- Security deposit assistance
- Move-in essentials (kitchen items, household necessities, etc.)
- Grocery assistance
- Resource navigation and community referrals
Funding is limited and assistance is based upon available program funds.
Minimum Age
Continuous Employment
Housing Readiness
Award Frequency
Eligibility, Requirements & Participant Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum eligibility requirements.
Age
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Foster Care Experience
Applicants must have experienced foster care, kinship care, adoption from foster care, or another qualifying child welfare placement.
Employment
- Be employed full-time
- Have maintained continuous full-time employment for a minimum of six (6) months
- Provide proof of employment (pay stubs or employer verification)
Housing Readiness Requirements
Before financial assistance can be awarded, participants must successfully complete the following program requirements.
Intake Interview
Applicants must complete an in-person or virtual interview with a Fostering Hope RVA Program Coordinator. The interview will assess:
Independent Living Workshops
Participants must complete four (4) Independent Living Workshops, each consisting of two (2) hours — 8 hours total required training. Workshop topics may include:
Participants must attend all required workshops unless an approved make-up session is provided.
Community Service
Applicants must complete eight (8) hours of volunteer service through a Fostering Hope RVA event or approved activity. Examples include:
Community service hours must be completed before housing assistance is awarded.
Every approved participant receives support packed with move-in essentials — helping them get settled once housing assistance is awarded.
Housing Assistance
Eligible participants may receive assistance toward the following, based on available funding.
Apartment Application Fees
Fostering Hope RVA may pay the application fee directly to the apartment community. Applicants must provide apartment information, leasing office contact information, and the application fee amount.
Security Deposit Assistance
Available after all program requirements have been successfully completed. Payment may be made directly to the apartment community, contingent upon available funding, successful lease approval, and completion of all program requirements.
Move-In Essentials
Participants may receive assistance with pots and pans, a kitchen starter kit, cleaning supplies, bedding, bathroom essentials, and household supplies. Items awarded are based upon availability and funding.
Grocery Assistance
Participants may receive a grocery gift card or food assistance to help ease the transition into their new home.
Our Program in Action
Real moments from real youth taking the next step toward independence.
Criminal Background Review
Fostering Hope RVA believes in second chances while maintaining the safety and integrity of the program.
Applicants are not eligible if they have been convicted of:
- Violent felony offenses
- Crimes involving serious bodily injury
- Homicide-related offenses
- Sexual offenses requiring registration
All other criminal charges, convictions, or pending cases will be individually reviewed considering:
- Nature of the offense
- Length of time since the offense
- Rehabilitation efforts
- Employment history
- Personal references
- Overall housing readiness
Approval is at the discretion of Fostering Hope RVA.
Housing assistance through the Secure the Bag Housing Assistance Program is limited as noted above. Participants may reapply after 12 months if funding is available and eligibility requirements are met. Approval is not guaranteed.
Participant Expectations
Participants agree to:
- Maintain respectful communication
- Attend all scheduled appointments
- Notify staff of any changes in employment or housing
- Participate fully in workshops
- Complete volunteer requirements
- Demonstrate commitment toward independent living goals
Failure to meet program expectations may result in removal from the program.
Program Limitations
Participation does not guarantee:
- Approval for an apartment
- Approval of an apartment application
- Payment of all move-in costs
- Ongoing rental assistance
- Future financial assistance
Awards are contingent upon:
- Funding availability
- Successful completion of program requirements
- Verification of eligibility
- Approval by the Fostering Hope RVA Housing Assistance Review Committee
Required Documentation
Applicants may be required to provide the following.
At Fostering Hope RVA, we believe that housing assistance alone is not enough. Lasting success comes from pairing financial support with education, accountability, mentorship, and community.
The Secure the Bag Housing Assistance Program is built to equip young adults with practical life skills, empower them to make informed decisions, and elevate them toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Our mission is not simply to help youth move into an apartment—it is to help them build a home and a future.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're a young adult ready for independence, a caseworker with a referral, or a business wanting to sponsor — there's a place for you here.
Apply to the Program
Are you 21 or older with foster care experience, employed full-time for at least six months, and ready to build long-term housing stability? Complete the STB application to get started.
STB ApplicationSend a Referral
Know someone with foster care experience who is employed and ready to work toward stable housing? Send us a referral and help us connect them to the support they deserve.
Send a ReferralBecome a Sponsor
Businesses and individuals — partner with us to fund application fees, security deposits, and move-in essentials for youth stepping into their first stable home.
Sponsorship OpportunitiesHelp Us Build More Homes & Futures
Every donation directly funds application fees, security deposits, move-in essentials, and grocery assistance for young adults stepping into stable housing.