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May 27, 2023

Innovative Eustis housing plan helps youth who age out of foster care

EUSTIS — A nine-year venture has made significant progress after finally breaking ground on Thursday. Forward Paths Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth who have aged out of

EUSTIS — A nine-year venture has made significant progress after finally breaking ground on Thursday. Forward Paths Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps at-risk youth who have aged out of foster care, moved forward on The Cottages on Grove project on land that was donated by the First United Methodist Church of Eustis. The micro community will be located at 600 S. Grove St.

“Ten years ago, at our very first board meeting, we said we one day wanted to own our own housing,” Forward Paths Executive Director Denise Burry said. “Since then, we’ve acquired two homes right next door to here, and now we are going to have 10 more. It’s really been a dream of ours for a long time and we’re just really excited to get started.”

The foundation has been renting housing for the 26 youths currently in the program. This new project will eliminate a large portion of the finances needed for rent.

Each tiny home will be 600 square feet with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen, front porch and exterior storage space. The 10-home community also will include a multi-use storage building, parking lot and community garden.

“A majority of our youth are at Lake Technical College, so this housing will help them be closer to the school and be part of this huge, welcoming community,” Senior Director of Student Development Cristy Orpurt said. “Without this program, these youth would be incarcerated, trafficked, homeless or dead. What this organization does is so important because when they age out of foster care, most don’t even know how to get a job.”

The project will cost around $1.95 million, which is significantly lower than originally calculated since partnering with HomeAid Orlando.

“I am so proud that HomeAid Orlando has brought together some resources to help bring this dream alive, so they in turn can bring the dreams and aspirations of so many young people to life,” HomeAid Orlando Executive Director Russ Beymer said.

The homes will be developed by Taylor Morrison and constructed by Ashton Woods, with an expected completion date by early 2024.