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It Takes a Village

We All Need One

ComeUnity Village links former foster youth ages 18-24 with housing and life skills resources to promote their transition to healthy, holistic adulthood.

There are over 10,000 children in foster care in North Carolina, and over 340,000 nationwide due to abuse, neglect and/or dependency. 20,000 youth age out of foster care each year in the US at age 18 or 21, with 4,000 of them having no permanent family or stable home to live.

THE PROBLEM

Research shows that in order to thrive, youth need to feel a sense of belonging and safety.

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, “leaving foster care without achieving permanence carries lifelong consequences. Youth who age out of foster care are more likely to engage in risky behaviors and more likely to experience hardships such as homelessness, joblessness, early parenthood and substance use.”

Fostering Youth Transitions 2023, data released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, shows:

  • Nationally, child welfare systems find families for fewer than half of teenagers and young adults in foster care.
  • Children of color remain overrepresented.
  • During all the years they were eligible between 2013 and 2021, only 47% of aging out young people received the federally funded services intended to prepare them to thrive when they leave foster care. In 2021, reportedly less than one quarter (23%) were served.
  • Historically, 25% of youth in foster care become involved with the criminal legal system within two years of leaving foster care.

A SOLUTION
ComeUnity Village

ComeUnity Village will provide:

  • Stable housing for up to 2 years based on need, requirements, eligibility and available resources.
  • Community support through mentorship and volunteerism.
  • Skill sets training to help ready the client for transition to independent living.

Purpose
ComeUnity Village is a non-profit organization designed to prevent homelessness, joblessness and entrance into the criminal justice system among youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

Mission
ComeUnity Village links former foster youth ages 18-24 with housing and life skills resources to prepare them to transition to self-sufficient, independent living within the community.

Vision
Youth who have aged out of the foster care system develop and transition into productive, self-sufficient adults who live within community where they can thrive and contribute positively to society.

Once land is procured, the Village will consist of 6 tiny homes designed to house 12 young adults between the ages of 18-24, a community resource center for technology, training, and gatherings as well as a community garden for sustainability, health and educational purposes.

ComeUnity Village will provide the youth with a stable home-like community environment, mentorship, ongoing training and education in areas such as job readiness, continuing education options, financial literacy, health and hygiene, social and independent living skills, self-advocacy and more. Upon program completion, Youth will give back via volunteerism to help incoming program participants.