In Massachusetts, there are about 750 young people “age out” of the foster care system annually. These young people are trying to navigate complex systems such as housing, health care, and post-secondary education without the support and stability of a permanent family or home. Extensive research underscores the challenges these youth face during their transition out of foster care: 40% will experience homelessness by age 24; 50% will be unemployed by age 26; 50% will finish high school and of those 50% less than 5% will receive a post-secondary degree; 1 in 3 women will have at least one child by age 19; and 80% of men will be arrested at least once by the age of 26.
HopeWell is dedicated to changing these statistics for the young people they serve in Boston and Springfield. In 2017, they established the My First Place™ Program (adapted from a California-based nonprofit First Place for Youth) to provide young adults, ages 18-24 with shared rent-free apartments and wrap-around services. The young people living in these apartments receive individualized support from Hopewell staff focusing on their education and employment goals, build a peer community, and establish a foundation for long-term self-sufficiency.
HopeWell has had incredible results through the My First Place™ Program serving over 90 young adults since its founding.
- 75% of the youth exit to stable housing
- 48% who had their high school diploma or equivalent enrolled in a post- secondary program while in My First Place™
- 88% of youth held the same job for 90 days or more while participating in My
First Place™
Partnering with The Lynch Foundation
HopeWell reached out to The Lynch Foundation in 2023 as they recognized the value of purchasing properties for the My First Place™ program versus strictly renting; due to the cost savings and increased capacity for the program. Additionally, purchasing apartment buildings would ensure that they could maintain units in Boston–many of the youth’s hometown–as they were getting pushed out of the city, because of high rent costs. The Foundation believe deeply in HopeWell’s mission to support these youth at such a critical juncture in their lives and understood the benefits of owning the properties for financial sustainability. Thus, the Foundation made a two-year grant in 2023 and 2024.
In late, 2023 HopeWell successfully purchased, renovated, and furnished 2 multi-unit apartment buildings that will enable them to support young people aging out of foster care for decades to come. The homes are located in the Brighton and Dorchester neighborhoods and both near public transport and community amenities for the youth to easily access.