Houston Housing Complex For Aged Out Foster Youth Breaks Ground

HOUSTON, TX — A new housing development aimed at young adults in need broke ground this week in Houston.

The Tejano Center for Community Concerns and Covenant Neighborhoods, Inc. are leading the development of Sunrise Lofts, an 89-unit community that will offer apartments and services to young adults ages 18-25 who aged out of the foster care system as well as those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Sunrise Lofts will be built in East Downtown and will cost $26.9 million, according to a city news release.

"Addressing homelessness, especially among youth, is an ongoing concern," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "This new development in EaDo will provide not only shelter, but important wrap-around services that these individuals and families will need to not face the streets again.”

In July, the Houston City Council approved $1.5 million of federal HOME Investment Partnership Program funds toward land acquisition and development of Sunrise Loft with the other funding sources coming from Harris County and the Coalition for Supportive Housing.

The development has close access to public transportation, grocery stores, libraries and other essential services, including Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. In addition to housing, Sunrise Lofts will help residents with training and services needed to find stable jobs and build their future. These include assistance toward independence and self-sufficiency, life skill training, educational opportunities, vocational and job skills training, childcare, and health care.

"This development will provide needed services to young people making the transition to adulthood without the traditional assistance of parents and broader community support," Assistant Director of the Houston Housing and Community Development Department Ray Miller said following the July City Council meeting. "By intervening early, the Tejano Center will help young Houstonians achieve independence through a stable job and an affordable home."