Press Release

Press Release: First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners, and Pasadena City College Announce Innovative Housing Partnership for Transitional Age Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:
First Place for Youth
Julie Richter | julie@julierichter.co
480.818.8022

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 16, 2024)First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners (HHP), Pasadena City College (PCC), and Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership to provide housing for transitional age youth in Pasadena. The collaboration has transformed two existing structures at 2322 E. Foothill Blvd. into six 375-square-foot studio apartment units, specifically designed to house young adults transitioning out of foster care.

This innovative project will support six program participants from First Place for Youth enrolled in the organization’s extended foster care program. The housing units will cater to transitional-aged youth between 18 and 24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

“Partnerships like the one between First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners, and Pasadena City College are crucial in our mission to combat youth homelessness in the Los Angeles metro area. By providing stable housing and support services, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term success and independence for these young adults. This collaborative effort exemplifies how community-driven solutions can make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable youth,” said Thomas G. Lee, CEO of First Place for Youth.

This partnership comes at a critical time when student homelessness is reaching alarming levels. According to UCLA’s “State of Crisis: Dismantling Student Homelessness in California” study, an estimated one in five California Community College students experience homelessness or housing insecurity. The report highlights that community colleges have the highest rates of homelessness and housing insecurity across California’s three public systems of post-secondary education.

“We have the highest concentration of young people, kids living in foster care in Pasadena and Altadena,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo. “A lot of the kids who are in the foster care system are in public schools and many of them end up in PCC when they graduate out of the foster care system so this is a population that we have to put a lot of focus on in terms of providing affordable housing.”[1]

“These kids have experienced housing insecurity for so long,” said Charles Loveman, executive director of HHP. “It’s going to be a game-changer for them to have a key, lock their own door and know their possessions and space are safe.”[2]

The development’s strategic location near Pasadena City College will provide convenient access for residents who may be pursuing their education at PCC. The college has committed to supporting the students with rent subsidies, further enhancing the project’s impact on educational opportunities for transitional age youth.

This collaborative effort between First Place for Youth, Heritage Housing Partners, and Pasadena City College represents a significant step towards addressing youth homelessness and supporting educational opportunities for vulnerable young adults in the Pasadena area.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of this important housing project will take place on August 7 from 2pm to 4pm at 2322 E. Foothill Blvd. Media representatives are invited to attend and should contact Julie Richter at julie@julierichter.co for more details.


[1] https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/finance-committee-approves-2-million-loan-for-a-housing-project-for-homeless-youth-pcc-students

[2] https://pasadena.outlooknewspapers.com/2022/06/28/deal-closes-to-build-student-housing/

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First Place for Youth is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood. By providing comprehensive programs and services, including housing, education, employment, and support, First Place for Youth empowers foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and achieve their full potential.

Heritage Housing Partners is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting long-term affordable homeownership and strengthening neighborhoods through innovative housing solutions.

Pasadena City College is a public community college known for its academic excellence and commitment to student success, offering a wide range of programs and support services.

About Pasadena Community Foundation Founded in 1953, Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is a tax-exempt public charity created by and for the people of Pasadena. Managing more than $180 million in charitable assets, PCF works with individuals, families, and organizations to establish philanthropic funds, create and build endowment funds, and distribute charitable gifts to nonprofit organizations. In 2023, PCF awarded $2.6 million in grant funding to more than 100 Pasadena-area nonprofits, and its scholarship funds supported more than 150 students. Learn more at www.pasadenacf.org.

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