Press Release
First Place For Youth
Jan 24, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 24, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:First Place for YouthJulie Richter | julie@julierichter.co480.818.8022
Foster Youth Move into New Affordable Housing in San Jose through First Place for Youth
SAN JOSE, CA – First Place for Youth, the nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, celebrated its partnership with First Community Housing in San Jose. Nine young people enrolled in the My First Place™ program – a nationally recognized program that provides housing, education support, employment assistance, and intensive case management services to foster youth ages 18-25 – moved into apartments of their own in the new Roosevelt Park apartment community. This collaboration marks a significant step in providing stable housing and support for foster youth in Santa Clara County, where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $3,073 (source), making it unaffordable for many young adults.
“This is a wonderful investment for our community. We’re so proud and grateful that First Place for Youth is changing lives and making our entire city a better place for everyone,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.
The Roosevelt Park apartment community, located near downtown San Jose, features modern units with energy-efficient appliances, community spaces, and on-site resident services. The central location offers access to public transportation and job opportunities – critical factors for success in the My First Place program, which has demonstrated remarkable outcomes with 97% of participants attaining stable housing after 12 months.
“When I first entered the foster care system, I never imagined I would have a stable home of my own, let alone an apartment in downtown San Jose,” said new resident Gisell. “This apartment isn’t just a place to live; it’s a launching path for my future.”
The nine reserved units, classified as permanent affordable housing, offer a unique opportunity for young people to maintain affordable leases on studio and one-bedroom apartments upon exiting the My First Place housing program. This arrangement ensures continuity and stability, providing a solid foundation for foster youth as they transition to adulthood. Youth will have access to a full range of support, including regular meetings with a Youth Advocate and bi-weekly meetings to explore educational and employment opportunities.
“This partnership with First Community Housing represents a crucial step in our mission to support transition-age foster youth,” said Thomas Lee, CEO of First Place for Youth. “By providing stable, affordable housing through the transition-in-place model, we’re not just offering a place to live – we’re giving these young people the opportunity to remain in the community where they’ve built support networks, even after exiting our program. This is particularly important in a high-cost area like Santa Clara County, where many of our youth might otherwise be priced out.”
First Community Housing has a long history of developing affordable housing in San Jose and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. With over 1,700 households served and another 1,400 units in development, FCH caters to low-income populations, including individuals, families, seniors, and those with special needs.
Additional partners include Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services, the City of San Jose; Santa Clara County’s Office of Supportive Housing; Santa Clara County Housing Authority; Home First; Housing Choices Coalition; and FPI Management.
For more information about First Place for Youth and its My First Place housing program, please visit www.firstplaceforyouth.org.
ABOUT FIRST PLACE FOR YOUTH
Founded in Oakland in 1998, 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. The organization now serves nearly 2,000 youth annually throughout 5 Bay Area counties, Los Angeles County, as well as in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and North Carolina.
ABOUT FIRST COMMUNITY HOUSING
First Community Housing (FCH) is a nonprofit corporation created to develop, construct, and manage affordable housing for San Jose and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Since its inception in 1986, FCH has developed housing for over 1700 households, with another 1400 units in the pipeline. We serve low-income populations including individuals, families, senior citizens, and those with special needs like chronic, mental health, and developmental disabilities.
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