About a year ago, a City Council item hinted at a YMCA program to assist young people aging out of the foster care system. A press release this week confirmed the YMCA is officially under way to create 30 efficiency apartments in the building at 518 Watchung Avenue.
From the press release:
"The Plainfield YMCA is the sponsor, developer and property manager for the project. Construction and
permanent funding for the project have been secured through state funds and will be supplemented by a
Declaration of Intent for 4% housing tax credits. The Plainfield YMCA has secured site control and is in the
process of finalizing all necessary municipal and funding approvals. Construction is estimated to begin Fall
2015 with a targeted opening of April 2016."
Details in the press release are essentially the same as what was in the council packet last year, when the YMCA sought municipal approval as one of the first steps in the lengthy process of gathering backing and financing for the project.
"The project involves the renovation of the top two floors of the existing campus currently located at 518
Watchung Avenue in Plainfield and will create 30 affordable individual efficiency units designed specifically for youth between the ages of 18-24 years.
Each efficiency apartment will have a private kitchen and bathroom with Energy Star appliances. Modern
amenities such as 24 hour security, private elevator access, secured entry, multipurpose rooms, a resident
lounge, instructional kitchen, common laundry facilities, office space for property management and support
service functions, on-site parking, updated site lighting, and attractive landscaping are to be included. Energy-saving measures and green features will also be incorporated in the project’s design to foster a healthy living environment and lower project operating costs."
The housing is not meant to be permanent, but to provide a safe, supportive environment as the young adults make the transition from foster care to independence. Residents will pay no more than 30 percent of their income for rent. They will have access to case management and support services.
The project is intended to ward off the many risks of aging out of foster care, which include unemployment,
poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood and long-term dependency on public assistance,
and possible incarceration or homelessness.
--Bernice
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as a former foster parent I am 100% supportive of this proposal..
ReplyDeleteI agree, from the same perspective, although our fostering was for infants. The Y project is sorely needed and a great step forward.
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