The New York Foundling has completed construction on 126 West 126th Street, a 17-story residential tower in Harlem, Manhattan that plans to serve as a new model for helping youth transitioning out of foster care and the shelter system. The project was developed in collaboration between BRP Companies, L+M Development Partners, Taconic Partners, and The Prusik Group. Financing came from New York State, Goldman Sachs, Santander Bank, and Redstone Equity Partners.
Photograph of facade at 126 West 126th Street, courtesy of the New York Foundling & Harlem Supportive Housing
The new housing is part of the Urban Empowerment Center, a mixed-use development that includes the headquarters, museum, and institute for the National Urban League, and offices for various other organizations. The project adds 51 supportive apartments to the complex that will house 70 young people in total. In addition, it features on-site services including counseling, therapy, mentorship, and job training.
The development includes a mix of two-bedroom, one-bedroom, and studio apartments, with rents ranging from $666 to $1,478 depending on monthly income. The building also features amenities such as a fitness center, laundry room, resident lounge, outdoor terrace, and bike storage.
Photograph of foundations at 126 West 126th Street in 2021, via Google Maps
The Foundling’s program has a 95 percent success rate, with young people successfully transitioning to independent living within two years.
“Supportive housing is essential for promoting the health and well-being of young adults transitioning out of foster care as they work toward independence,” said Barbara C. Guinn, assistance commissioner at the Office of Temporary and Disability. “Governor Hochul and our partners at HCR recognize the positive impact stable housing combined with essential services can have on young people’s lives and we congratulate The New York Foundling on the successful completion of this much-needed project.”
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Finally these young adults have somewhere to go once they come of age. Do you know how many young adults I worked with at a community based mental health clinic that aged out of foster care & did not have anywhere to go. I hope there will be more services provided & this is just the beginning.