Something That is Their Own’: 15 New Tiny Homes Unveiled for Those Leaving Foster Care

15 new tiny homes unveiled for those leaving foster care. (KOKH)

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Recently, organizers unveiled 15 new tiny homes constructed to aid young people transitioning out of the foster care system in Oklahoma.

The initiative arose from the combined efforts of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, which funded the project, and Pivot, an organization that serves disadvantaged young people.

The public was able to tour the residences in a parade-of-homes style event.

Jennifer Goodrich, president and CEO of Pivot, shared, “Every 18-year-old, it needs resources, they need that guidance, and… these young people just have more risks and barriers, less opportunity, and that sort of thing, and that’s where this partnership steps in.”

The furnishings and decorations on display on Friday will be there when the residents move in. Designers volunteered their time and resources to match the style of the incoming occupant.

Sot Jennifer Boyer, the program supervisor for ODHS’s Successful Adulthood Program, explained, “They want young people to feel like there is something that is their own, ’cause a lot of our young people… have never had that.”

Pivot now has 41 total homes such as those unveiled on Friday. The organization also offers services like case management to set residents on a path to success.

Goodrich added that covering the basics allows young people to consider “What does my educational path look like? What does my employment path look like? And so that’s really our goal is to do the foundation and then wrap around them in everything else.”

“We’re very excited about today. This is kind of a first-of-its-kind, as far as us being able to provide specific housing for our young people,” Boyer shared.

About 29 percent of those leaving foster care say they’ve already dealt with homelessness in some form by the age of 19, according to organizers.

The homes cost around $65,000 to $75,000 to build. They’re designated for residents 18 to 23 years old, who pay rent according to what’s affordable for them.

Residents recoup their rent payments upon moving out to help with living expenses.

The 15 new homes represent the latest phase of Pivot’s initiative, which first broke ground in 2018. Organizers hope to continue their efforts and have up to 50 homes available in the future.

Around 200 individuals age out of foster care each year in Oklahoma.