Center for Aged-Out Foster Teens Secures Game-Changing Land Lease

A new initiative aimed at assisting unhoused young men in Maricopa has gained momentum, with the City Council unanimously approving a land lease for the Open Arms Vocational Living Center. This project, championed by Councilmembers Amber Liermann and Vincent Manfredi, targets vulnerable individuals aged 18 to 25 who are experiencing homelessness or have exited foster care.

Councilmember Amber Liermann, who also serves as a high school counselor, has witnessed the pressing need for such facilities. She recounts the plight of students who face eviction from foster homes upon turning 18, often arriving at school with merely a bag of belongings. “These scenarios are all too common,” she stated. “Our goal is to prevent more of these situations from occurring.”

The center will provide not only housing but also vocational training to help these young men integrate into the workforce. Manfredi emphasized the importance of keeping these teens connected to their community as they transition to adulthood. “We want to give them the tools to succeed and remain part of the Maricopa community,” he said.

The lack of resources for young men contrasts sharply with the support available for young women. While there are shelters like Against Abuse and Hope Women’s Shelter for females, young men often have to travel to distant cities to find assistance. Liermann explained this challenge further, stating, “There’s a significant gap in available resources for young men over 18.”

The recently approved land lease permits the construction of a 1,500-square-foot center on a city-owned lot in the Heritage District. Under the agreement, the center will pay just $1 per month in rent for the next decade, while covering all associated costs such as utilities and insurance.

Plans for the center’s design are underway, with construction expected to commence in the next two years. Liermann noted that board members have visited other successful facilities for inspiration. “We’re focusing on creating a structure that truly meets the needs of these young men,” she said.

With the potential to reshape the lives of many marginalized youth, the Open Arms Vocational Living Center represents a pivotal step towards providing essential resources and stability in Maricopa. “These kids need to know there’s hope,” Liermann remarked. “Without this center, we risk them returning to precarious situations.”