Affordable housing for transition-age foster youths in San Jose
SAN JOSE, Calif. - In one of the country's most expensive apartment rental markets, an island of hope sits ready for occupancy for some transition-age foster youths in danger of being forced out of group homes.
"Before coming here, I was on the verge of being homeless. Like, trying to find a place for him," said Ahhelica Lomax, a resident of the Roosevelt Apartments, who was busy trying to control her fussy 24-month-old son.
In the lobby of the six-story apartment building on N. 21st St. near Santa Clara St., on Thursday, a roomful of dignitaries basked in the glow of their successful launch of a new housing program.
"Together we're not just providing housing, we're building a future where every young person has a chance to thrive," said board member Nancy Heinen.
The First Home for Youth program serves as a bridge for those who are too old to remain in group homes but who also face obstacles finding a place to live on their own.
"It's all about how we set them up like we would our own children? How do we make sure they're given a comfortable, safe place to live? How are we giving them support to find a job, and then a better job and ultimately go out and find a career?" asked Thomas Lee, the CEO of First Place for Youth.
He said the public-private non-profit partnership spends approximately $4,000 per month to help house each resident and provide case management for continued education and employment goals.
"If we can intervene earlier and give people some stability and an opportunity to really establish a life for themselves and find a sustainable path in our world," said Mayor Matt Mahan, (D) San Jose.
That type of opportunity is taking root for new residents such as Gisell Duran. She said she plans to take advantage of the option to continue living in the Roosevelt Apartments at below market cost, after she exits the program when she turns 25. It's a way for her to enrich the tapestry of her life in the place she chooses to call home.
"I feel great. I feel relief. Stress, no more. I feel like I've outgrown the roommate situation and once they told me about this apartment complex and how I could have my own studio. I was so thrilled. They've been so supportive of me," she said. Added Lomax, and she struggled to keep her son and, on the sidewalk, and out of harm's way, "It's been great. Nicer for my kid. The people inside are hella welcoming. It's like a community, to me."
Lomax said her son enjoys playing in the playground on the third level of the building.
Move-in continues for the rest of the month.
Jesse Gary is a reporter based in the station's South Bay bureau. Follow him on the Instagram platform, @jessegontv and on Facebook, @JesseKTVU
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