Sioux Falls Housing Leader to Attend White House Event

Larissa Deedrich will highlight the Fostering Youth to Independence program at a showcase on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Youth

Sioux Falls Housing Leader to Attend White House Event

Live Poll

Should local organizations prioritize housing assistance programs for young adults leaving the foster system?

Sioux Falls Housing Executive Director Larissa Deedrich is set to attend the Fostering the Future Showcase at the White House on Friday, October 30, 2026. The event recognizes successful initiatives aimed at supporting young adults transitioning out of the foster system.

Why it matters

The program helps young adults who lack traditional family support systems navigate the challenges of independent living. By providing stable housing, the initiative aims to bridge a critical gap for those leaving foster care.

The Sioux Falls Housing foster program currently serves 20 residents and supports 36 others through the application or apartment-search process. It stands as the largest initiative of its kind across Region 8, which covers South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, Montana, and Colorado.

The players

Larissa Deedrich

She serves as the Executive Director of Sioux Falls Housing.

Sioux Falls Housing

This organization operates rental assistance programs for the Sioux Falls area.

The details

The Fostering Youth to Independence program utilizes Section 8 vouchers to offer essential rental assistance. Dedicated case managers work directly with participants to simplify the apartment search and ensure a smoother transition into adulthood.

Friday, October 30, 2026: Larissa Deedrich attends the White House showcase.

Culture Shift

The program utilizes the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program to address the unique instability faced by youth aging out of foster care. This approach represents a broader movement toward using established housing policy to solve specific demographic challenges.

The visibility of this program at the national level may help stabilize the local housing pipeline for former foster youth. Residents should note that the program relies on active case management and voucher availability to assist participants in securing apartments.

The takeaway

Stable housing is a foundational requirement for young adults transitioning to independence without family support. Communities that prioritize integrated case management and voucher access can significantly improve outcomes for this vulnerable demographic.