Housing complex for foster youth opens in Knoxville

Lumen Flats opened in Knoxville to serve 18–24-year-olds aging out of foster care, with each unit supported by a project-based Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher and on-site DCS support.

Lumen Flats, a new apartment community in Knoxville, opened Wednesday to house young adults ages 18 to 24 who are aging out of foster care. The project is a collaboration among the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, Knoxville's Community Development Corporation and private developer Elmington Capital. Each unit is supported through a project-based Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) voucher that provides rent assistance. On-site counselors and access to mental health and education resources are provided as part of the development's support offerings. Key facts: - The apartments serve young adults ages 18 to 24 who are aging out of foster care. - Each unit uses a project-based FYI voucher tied to the specific unit to provide rent assistance. - Organizers reported this is a first-of-its-kind project nationally designed for this demographic. - Tennessee DCS staff will offer on-site counseling and residents can access mental health and education resources. - A Belmont University study cited in coverage reported that 80% of Tennessee youth who age out of foster care face homelessness, incarceration, addiction or trafficking by age 21. Summary: Lumen Flats is intended to offer a stable foundation and support as residents transition to independence, with assistance available for up to three years through DCS services. Organizers said they hope similar developments can be built elsewhere in Tennessee and across the country. Undetermined at this time.