Amanda Sepulveda spent over a decade in the foster system.

She turned 18 before she could be adopted, and had to start her adult life from a scratch.

“Aging out was very hard, I almost faced homelessness,” Sepulveda said. “I didn't have a job, I put off my career because I was busy trying to survive. It's very hard being scared where you're gonna sleep, what you're gonna eat."

Now, at the age of 21, Sepulveda is thriving. She’s starting nursing school soon, and will soon be one of the first people in Hidalgo County to receive a voucher to help her pay rent.

Others will soon be able to receive a similar voucher thanks to the Hidalgo County and McAllen housing authorities.

On Tuesday, Hidalgo County announced 50 vouchers are available as part of the Foster Youth Initiative, which aims to help young adults who aged out of the foster care system.

“It's a three-year voucher, so all they have to be is a registered foster kid,” Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Commissioner Eddie Cantu said.

Any former foster child in the county between the ages of 18 and 26 old is eligible for the housing voucher.

Cantu said the dollar amount of the vouchers varies based on the amount of rent.

Once the young adults are in the program, Foster Angels of South Texas helps them with other basic needs.

Sepulveda said the program changed the course of her life forever, and she's excited for dozens more kids like her to have the same.

Funding for the vouchers comes from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. While it's a three-year voucher, people are able to apply for another two years after those three years are up

For more information, reach out to the following:

- Hidalgo County Housing Authority: 956-968-8669
- McAllen Housing Authority: 956-686-3951
- Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Office: 956-787-1711

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