Man plans to build homes on his land to offer housing to youth aging out of foster care

Each year, over 23,000 children in the US are aging out of foster care, as reported by the National Foster Youth Institute.

This organization, which includes former foster youth, foster care alumni, and members of Congress, aims to reform the child welfare system.

“Aging out” of foster care refers to turning 18 without finding a permanent home, such as reuniting with family or being adopted, according to Social Work Today.

However, the age of leaving foster care varies; some states provide support until age 21.

Meanwhile, Jeff Steele has devoted the past decade to helping foster children in Michigan through his nonprofit, Kids Belong, which advocates for every child to have a family and a home, per ABC 13.

He plans to build seven duplex homes on his 5-acre property to offer housing for young adults who have aged out of foster care.

“We support foster parents and foster families because we believe that support for foster and adopt families makes better outcomes for kids,” Jeff said. The more support we can put in, the better the outcomes are for everybody involved.”

One of the completed duplexes now houses two residents who receive stable housing, mentorship, and ongoing support to help them become independent and productive members of society.

This initiative is part of a two-year plan to prepare them for self-sufficiency.

The 550-square-foot apartment is fully furnished, with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a full laundry room.

Jeff explained that it includes everything needed, and new residents can move in with nothing and receive help getting started.

Kids Belong has raised over $500,000 from private donors and other fundraisers to support their project.

They are currently building two duplex homes, which are expected to be completed this fall. Despite challenges, Jeff remains optimistic about the project’s success.

“It is a wild roller coaster ride, it has its ups and its downs for sure, but every time a building goes up like the one I’m standing in now, we’re just amazed,” Jeff said.

Jeff plans to complete seven duplexes in the coming years, offering apartments to 14 young adults.

Their program provides affordable housing, helps youth build a rental history, manage utilities, and establish credit.

Young people in foster care often endure multiple traumas, such as abuse, neglect, frequent moves between foster homes, gaps in education, and loss of significant relationships, says Youth.GOV.

These experiences frequently result in mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and low self-esteem, impacting their emotional and social development as they transition into adulthood.

Research emphasizes the critical importance of understanding the vulnerabilities of adolescents and young adults and the role of positive relationships in their brain development.

For foster youth, having a stable home and supportive adults after leaving the child welfare system is crucial.

Studies indicate that those with mentors during adolescence fare better in adulthood, showing improved educational and job outcomes, mental health, and overall well-being.

Mentored youth also tend to engage less in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex, substance abuse, and delinquency.

When young people “age out” of the child welfare system without strong connections or supportive adults, they face increased challenges:

1. Housing Instability: Former foster care youth are much less likely to afford rent or mortgages compared to their peers. Many experience homelessness within a year of leaving care.
2. Education Gaps: They often struggle to complete elementary and high school due to frequent moves and disruptions. Academic performance is typically lower than that of their peers, with fewer than 60% graduating high school and very few going to college.
3. Employment Issues: Many lack work experience and job skills, leading to low-paying jobs and high rates of poverty. This makes it difficult to achieve financial independence.
4. Health Challenges: Former foster youth often face physical and mental health issues, including higher rates of hospitalization and mental health disorders like depression and PTSD.
5. Healthcare Access: Access to healthcare diminishes after leaving the system, with some losing Medicaid coverage and struggling to afford medical and mental health care.
6. Justice System Involvement: Due to unstable living situations and lack of support, many become involved in the criminal justice system shortly after leaving foster care.
7. Social Isolation: They often lack stable relationships with positive adults, which is crucial for support and guidance during their transition to adulthood.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for continued support and resources for youth transitioning from foster care to independence.

Watch Jeff Steele, executive director of Kids Belong share how their organization helps kids aging out of foster care:

Kids Belong relies on donors to help kids aging out of foster care. You can visit their website to donate.

You can also follow them on Facebook to stay updated with their events and progress.