SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — The challenges faced by children aging out of the foster care system are described as traumatic and can lead to a life of homelessness.
But a new resource center and affordable housing project aim to ensure that doesn’t happen to anyone in the South Bay.
The ribbon was officially cut Monday for the Parkmoore Community Affordable Apartments and the Hub – two new buildings that aim to build a better Santa Clara County.
RELATED: Affordable apartment complex for foster youth opens in downtown San Jose
It’s a vision come to life for Dontae Lartigue, who worked his way through the foster care system and homelessness.
“I don’t want any kids, including those that will benefit from Parkmoore community or the Hub, to go through what I did,” Lartigue said. “Instead, let’s give them a place where they can have dignity and grace. Let’s help them thrive and let’s be human-centric.”
Lartigue was one of the founding members of the Hub – a youth-led community center that supports current and former foster youth.
It has now received a major upgrade to create a one-stop shop resource center, including housing and employment support, educational resources and even simple services.
“I’m especially thankful for the new laundry room,” Jasmine Randolph said. “It sounds really simple, but, for me, it means a lot and it’s another reminder that the Hub is here to help with real, everyday needs.”
Above the Hub are 81 new affordable apartment units – half for low-income community members and half for the transitional age youth which the Hub serves.
RESOURCES: Community resources for foster care families, individuals
We toured the apartments, which will soon house dozens, including Eloise Diaz.
“It’s not just a roof over our heads, but it’s the opportunity that gives us the confidence to build successful and independent futures,” Diaz said.
We were there when the city of San Jose and the County of Santa Clara broke ground on this project in December 2023.
Lartigue says it’s priceless to see his dreams for foster youth come true.
“I mean, honestly, I’m ecstatic,” Lartigue said. “I’m not gonna get emotional, but this is it. It’s everything. This truly saved my life and I know it’s gonna save the lives of hundreds and hundreds of young people, if not a couple thousand over its existence.”
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