MUSKEGON, Mich. — Tucked away on a wooded lot in Muskegon County, Jeff Steele’s imaginative and prescient to construct a spot for teens aging out of the foster care system is slowly coming to life.
Steele and his spouse’s nonprofit Children Belong is behind the undertaking.
Courtesy: Jeff Steele
“We referred to as this system “First Place” as a result of we need to present that first place for children that they’ll, they’ll plant they usually can really construct one thing from there,” Steele defined. “The statistics say, within the U.S., one out of 5 children who age out of foster care are instantly homeless…in order that’s a very large drawback.”
The plan is to construct seven duplexes— 14 models— for teens to stay independently.
Crews broke floor on the primary unit this summer season, which sits on land subsequent door to the Steele residence.
The models are additionally near native faculties, a bus route, and strolling distance from a busy industrial space.
“There are tons of alternatives right here… and you do not want a automobile,” Steele defined. “Sort of giving children the encouragement to say that, ‘you are able to do it and we’re going that can assist you. We will be right here each step of the best way. That is your area,’ It is tremendous thrilling.”
Steele has 15 kids, together with seven adoptees and 4 at the moment in foster care.
Courtesy: Jeff Steele
He stated the struggles one of his foster kids skilled after turning 18 impressed him to construct an answer.
Courtesy: Jeff Steele
The Muskegon father is serving as the final contractor of the undertaking.
The hope is to have the primary residents transfer into the models in January.
To this point, greater than $160,000 has are available and fundraising will proceed together with development.
Courtesy: Jeff Steele
Children Belong supplies help teams, sources and occasions to assist foster and adoptive households.
To be taught extra concerning the nonprofit or First Place, click on right here.
Because the FOX 17 and Lake Michigan Credit score Union Pay it Ahead Particular person of the Month, Steele receives a $550 prize.
FOX 17
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