In January, Innovative Housing Opportunities opened the doors to the Aspire, a 33-unit apartment complex on the outskirts of downtown Riverside. The building provides housing for community youth members transitioning out of foster care.
"Since moving into The Aspire, its residents, ranging from 18 to 24 years of age, have engaged in life-changing programs, work training and community college classes, setting them on a path toward personal and economic success," IHO posted on Instagram in June.
The Aspire is a $25 million development on the corner of 3rd Street and Fairmount Boulevard. It provides one-bedroom, furnished apartments to young adults aging out of foster care. In a statement, the President and CEO of IHO Rochelle Mills said the low-income housing will give them the "ability to live independently, with dignity and safety."
"As a mother of three, it hit home for me to learn that young people who experience homelessness are five times more likely to face chronic instability as adults," said Mayor Lock Dawson. "This beautiful facility was built in direct response to the urgent need for supportive housing for youth aging out of foster care, and it played a critical role in helping us end youth homelessness in Riverside."
IHO received funding through the Housing Authority funds from the city of Riverside, Project-Based Housing Choice vouchers from the county of Riverside and other state-wide initiatives. Riverside Community College students living at the Aspire will receive no-cost academic support, according to a case study released by the nonprofit.
The housing developer has made it its mission to "develop high-quality homes for residents that are affordable and low to moderate income." The company was developed after the Irvine Housing Opportunities advocated for the city of Irvine to build low to moderate housing for its community.
It currently has buildings in cities across Southern California like Los Angeles, Santa Ana, Norwalk and Irvine. IHO has listed on its website different ways members of the community can help the company continue to spread its mission – donations are accepted and people can volunteer. For more information on how to get involved visit their website.
IHO did not respond to a request for comment.
