Houston and Harris County officials joined nonprofit Tejano Center for Community Concerns and numerous partners for a ribbon-cutting and grand opening Aug. 25 for Sunrise Lofts, a new housing development and community serving young adults who are aging out of foster care.
Sunrise Lofts in Houston’s EaDo, or east of downtown Houston, sits on nearly 2 acres of land and will have 89 apartments where youth can live and receive wraparound services that would support independent living.
Digging deeper
According to Tejano Center officials, when youth age out of foster care in Texas at age 18, very few housing options are available, which leads many of the young adults to becoming unhoused and living on the streets. Data from the Administration for Children and Families shows 20% of young adults who have aged out of foster care were incarcerated during the last two years by age 19, and 42% will experience homelessness by the time they turn 21.
“One of the greatest issues that we find of homelessness is in fact the aging out of foster care—young people, who are vitally a part of the talent and the opportunities of our nation," U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said. "When homeless persons find homes, they are our neighbors, and they're in a neighborhood. This is an eclectic neighborhood, and Sunrise will provide the teaching that we need.”
The details
Sunrise Lofts will have staff and case managers on-site to provide wraparound services and life skills training to youth, including:
- Vocational and job skills training
- High school diploma obtainment options
- Child care
- Health care
- Mental health support
Amenities in the complex include:
- Weight room
- Game room
- Library
- Open pantry where residents can choose groceries, free of charge, twice a month—a partnership with nonprofit La Tiendita
- Bike room
The cost
The development is a collaboration between the following organizations, according to a news release from the Harris County Community Services Department.
- City of Houston: contributing $1.56 million
- Harris County: $15.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and $4.4 million in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds
- Tejano Center for Community Concerns
- Corporation for Supportive Housing
- Texas General Land Office
- PNC Bank
- Covenant Community Capital
Quote of note
Charles Manning is the coordinator of youth programing for Houston/Harris County’s Coalition for the Homeless organization. Manning spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony about his previous experiences being unhoused and living in his car without knowing any resources for help. He said finding affordable housing is one of the major problems.
“I’m really excited for the Sunrise Lofts because it not only provides housing but lasting connections and supportive services that will help the former foster youth to thrive,” Manning said. “In my opinion, this is literally one of the best things that can possibly happen.”
Get involved
Officials from Tejano Center said the public is invited to donate for welcome baskets that will be distributed to youth when they move-in. Guidance on donation amounts were:
- $250: welcome basket
- $170: new TV
- $300: lease deposit
More information can be found here.
Emily Lincke contributed to this report.
