STC and Hidalgo County partner to support foster youth housing

Photo Caption:South Texas College, Hidalgo County and community partners are advocating for those in the foster care system by supporting the county’s first-ever Foster Youth Initiative rental vouchers for housing assistance to aged-out foster youth.  

Joey Gomez, STC Communications

Edinburg, Texas – October is Foster Youth Voice Month nationwide, and with it comes an opportunity for child welfare advocates to elevate youth voices to change their futures and those of future generations.

South Texas College, Hidalgo County and community partners are advocating for those in the foster care system by supporting the county’s first-ever Foster Youth Initiative rental vouchers for housing assistance to aged-out foster youth.

STC Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Matthew Hebbard and STC Director of External Affairs Olivia Gomez visited Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court recently to issue a proclamation declaring October as National Foster Youth Voice Month and to voice the college’s support for the county’s voucher initiative.

“We know that housing is a huge barrier for anybody, but even more for our aged out foster youth who become homeless as soon as they turn 18 years old,” Gomez said. “Today is a good day for our foster youth community as we continue to embark on other opportunities to make them successful once they do go to the college. There’s power in numbers and there’s power in partnerships, and this is the perfect example of that.”

Amanda Sepulveda, 20, is Hidalgo County’s first Foster Youth Initiative voucher recipient who will be entering STC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in January.

In the foster system since the age of two, Sepulveda said attending STC will give her the opportunity to compete and succeed in life.

“I was with CPS from age 2 until now, basically, so it wasn’t easy, but because of those struggles, I have more motivation now to be able to become successful because I know what it’s like to not have anything,” Sepulveda said. “I’m excited for my future. I want to be a registered nurse one day and hopefully work in the intensive care unit (ICU). I just want to help others, like I have been helped. To other students who may be in a similar situation, all I would say is to never give up. I know it’s hard, but you’ll get through.”

Hidalgo County child welfare agencies support the development of a network of independent, community-based youth councils and give a voice to the more than 387 children and youth involved in the foster care system, along with the 78 young adults engaged in independent living services in the county. 

“I feel it’s important to help our most vulnerable,” said Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu. “Foster youth have an incredible story of vulnerability and perseverance. I want to help them persevere through their burdens by following God’s guidance ‘I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you.”

Hidalgo County has set aside $155,000 per year for 14 students who will be utilizing the rental vouchers.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Region 11 through its Texas Adoption Resource Exchange includes resources for foster services at www.dfps.texas.gov/adoption_and_foster_care/get_started/information_meetings/11.asp.

For local information or to get involved visit Foster Angels of South Texas at fosterangelsstx.org/.