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EFF ESSENTIALS RESOURCE CENTER

FOSTER AND FORMER FOSTER STUDENTS

State benefits differ. Verify every tuition waiver, ETV, housing, and application requirement with its official source.

TAKE THESE QUESTIONS WITH YOU

What should I ask?

  • Does my state offer an ETV or tuition waiver?
  • Is year-round housing available?
  • Which documents are required?

SEARCH WITHOUT AN ACCOUNT

Start with a place and a need.

Local provider search turns on when approved credentials are connected. National entry points work now.

SOURCE-LABELED RESULTS

6 national starting points

Verified source links

Call or check the provider's website before traveling. Hours, eligibility, and funding can change.

recognized nonprofitChecked 2026-07-29

211

Call 211 or search by location for referrals to local food, housing, transportation, health, and other essential services. Availability and coverage vary by area.

Source
United Way 211
Coverage
United States; local coverage varies
Status
Provider source
Open official source 211
recognized nonprofitChecked 2026-07-29

Feeding America food finder

Enter a ZIP code to find a Feeding America network food bank and ask about local pantries, distributions, and meal programs.

Source
Feeding America
Coverage
United States
Status
Provider source
Open official source
governmentChecked 2026-07-29

Federal Student Aid

Official federal information about FAFSA, dependency status, aid offers, and student-aid steps. Your college determines institutional and individual aid decisions.

Source
U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
Coverage
United States
Status
Government source
Open official source
governmentChecked 2026-07-29

Federal Student Aid and homeless youth

Official educational information about FAFSA questions for unaccompanied students experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Source
U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
Coverage
United States
Status
Government source
Open official source
governmentChecked 2026-07-29

HUD housing counseling

Search for a HUD participating housing counseling agency or call the official housing-counseling line. Confirm services with the agency.

Source
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Coverage
United States
Status
Government source
Open official source 800-569-4287
eff verifiedChecked 2026-07-29

EFF National Student Help Desk

A separate Esther Funds Foundation support entry point for students navigating college barriers. Assistance and funding are not guaranteed.

Source
Esther Funds Foundation
Coverage
National
Status
EFF program link
Open official source

CAMPUS INFORMATION

No verified campus record is selected.

Choose a college in your private plan. EFF will show a verified campus program only after its source and review date have been recorded.

Choose my college
Foster and former foster students | EFF Essentials