Family Unification Program Voucher
What is FUP?
The Family Unification Program (FUP) is a program under which Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) are provided to two different populations:
- Families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in:
- The imminent placement of the family's child or children in out-of-home care, or
- The delay in the discharge of the child or children to the family from out-of-home care.
There is no time limitation for assistance for FUP family vouchers.
The Ocala Housing Authority (OHA) will administer the FUP in partnership with Kids Central, Inc. (KCI), which is responsible for referring FUP families and youth to the OHA for determination of eligibility for rental assistance.
Once KCI makes the referral, the OHA places the FUP applicant on its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list, determines whether the family or youth meets HCV program eligibility requirements, and conducts all other processes relating to voucher issuance and administration.
In addition to rental assistance, supportive services must be provided by KCI to FUP youth for the entire 18 months in which the youth participates in the program. Examples include:
- Money management skills
- Job preparation
- Educational counseling
- Proper nutrition and meal preparation
HOW CAN I APPLY?
Please contact:
Ayanna Davis, Kids Central, Inc.
Office: 352.387.3404
Fax: 352.387.3559
Email: fupvoucher@kidscentralinc.org
QUESTIONS?
Please contact:
Rosa Ortiz, HCV Counselor III
Office: 352.620.3406
Fax: 352.369.2642
Email: rortiz@ocalahousing.org
Equal Housing Opportunity
The Ocala Housing Authority (OHA) was awarded 26 Family Unification Program (FUP) vouchers in 2019. The Ocala Housing Authority partners with Kids Central, Inc. (KCI) in this program. The FUP is a program under which Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) are provided to two different populations:
- Families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in:
- The imminent placement of the family's child or children in out-of-home care; or
- The delay in the discharge of the child or children to the family from out-of-home care.
- For a period not to exceed 36 months, otherwise eligible youths who have attained at least 18 years, and not more than 24 years of age and who have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordance with a transition plan described in section 475(5)(H) of the Social Security Act, and are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless at age 16 or older. The application process begins with KCI staff who review and preapprove the applicant. The applicant is then referred to the OHA for eligibility determination and voucher processing. If determined eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the OHA staff will issue a voucher to the applicant. There is no time limitation on assistance for FUP family vouchers.
