New Facility Offers Hope for Young Adults Facing Homelessness in Santa Clara County
Table of Contents
A new, comprehensive facility offering housing and support services for young adults in Santa Clara County officially opened its doors Monday, marking a important step in addressing the region’s pervasive youth homelessness. The Parkmoor Community Apartments, featuring an 81-unit complex, aims to provide a stable foundation for individuals transitioning out of foster care and those experiencing financial hardship.
Addressing a Critical Need
Santa Clara County has long struggled with a lack of affordable housing and support for vulnerable populations. According to a 2023 report, San Jose was identified as the city with the highest rate of youth homelessness in the United States. This new facility represents a concerted effort to reverse that trend, offering not just shelter, but a holistic range of services designed to empower young people to thrive.
Half of the apartments within Parkmoor Community Apartments are specifically reserved for young people leaving the foster care system, while the remaining units will house individuals and families earning low, very-low, and extremely-low incomes. The Hub itself provides a wealth of resources, including educational programs, technology labs, laundry facilities, showers, mental health services, employment assistance, housing support, legal aid, parenting classes, and recreational areas.
A Vision Realized Through Collaboration
the project was a collaborative undertaking, requiring significant investment from both public and private sources. Santa Clara County purchased the property at 1510 Parkmoor Ave. for $6 million and contributed $15 million towards the construction of The Hub. An additional $20 million was allocated to the construction of parkmoor Community Apartments, with $16 million coming from Measure A – a $950 million affordable housing bond approved by county voters in 2016 – and $4 million from the state’s No Place Like Home program, dedicated to permanent supportive housing for individuals with mental health needs or experiencing homelessness.San Jose also contributed approximately $40 million in state bonds.
The design of the facility also incorporated input from foster youth, ensuring the space is truly responsive to the needs of its intended residents. The prior Hub facility on King Road will remain open for one year to continue providing services during the transition.
From Personal Struggle to Community Impact
The driving force behind The Hub is Dantae Lartigue, a co-founder who personally experienced homelessness and the foster care system starting at a young age. “I don’t want any kids…to go through what I did,” Lartigue stated at the opening ceremony. “We all lose when even one young person gets turned away and goes back to life on the streets. Rather, let’s give them a place where they can have dignity and grace.let’s help them thrive.”
This sentiment was echoed by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, who highlighted the importance of voter support through Measure A in making the project a reality. “Every taxpayer in Santa Clara County can have a little pride that they’re helping young people get on their feet and have a future,” she said.
A Place to Belong and Build a Future
For residents like Jasmine Randolph, a young person involved in the foster care system, The Hub represents more than just a place to live. “It represents community, connection and a place she belongs,” Randolph shared at the opening. She emphasized the relief of having access to basic necessities like free laundry and the value of connections to internship and job opportunities, stating, “Those opportunities have opened doors for me…they’ve helped shape me into the person I’m becoming.”
District 6 San Jose Councilmember Michael Mulcahy underscored the importance of investing in young people,stating,”Their dreams shape the future of San Jose and Santa Clara County,and their leadership is essential to building a city rooted in equity,compassion and hope.” He concluded, “To the youth and families who will call this home, may this be a place where your stories are honored, your voices are heard and your futures are wide open.”
The opening of The Hub and Parkmoor Community Apartments is not merely a milestone for the neighborhood, but a model for building a more caring and connected city, offering a beacon of hope for young adults striving for a brighter future.
