Henderson’s newest affordable‑housing development, Sunrise Ranch Apartments, is dedicating 60 of its 144 units to young adults who have recently aged out of the foster care system. The complex, located just off Broadbent Boulevard, offers nearly 150 new apartments and is part of a broader effort by Clark County to address the high risk of homelessness among former foster youth.
Early residents find stability
To date, 35 foster‑care alumni have moved into Sunrise Ranch, according to developer Nevada Hand. One of those residents, Laajhanae Jones, expressed relief at finally having a place to call home. “It feels really good,” Jones said. “I’m very thankful, also, to come from, you know, kind of struggling to not struggling and being worry‑free.”
Jones is a participant in Step Up, a Clark County program that assists young adults who have aged out of foster care with job placement, housing applications, and a modest stipend for living expenses. The program, which began in July 2025, serves roughly 400 youth ages 18‑21 each year, with about 100 turning 21 annually.
County support and community impact
Social worker Adriona Smith learned of the 60 reserved units and immediately began the paperwork to place Jones in the complex. “A lot of paperwork. But the ultimate goal was getting her in there,” Smith explained.
Clark County’s foster‑care system reports roughly 3,000 children are in care on any given day. While the exact number of youth who age out each year was not provided, local nonprofit Olive Crest notes that about 60 % of those who leave foster care become homeless, often moving from shelters to couch‑surfing. Smith emphasized that a “housing first” approach like Sunrise Ranch is vital for breaking that cycle.
Jones now says she can focus on completing her high‑school diploma without the constant worry of where she will sleep each night. “I can finally concentrate on school,” she said, adding that the stability has given her hope for the future.
Developer commitment
President and CEO of Nevada Hand, Audra Hammernik, said the decision to allocate half of the complex’s units to foster youth was intentional. “We learned about Step Up, and we learned about the need for foster kids aging out, we’re like, okay, we’re all in,” Hammernik said.
Developers are still seeking tenants for an additional 25 units earmarked for the same population, underscoring a continued commitment to expanding safe, affordable housing options for vulnerable young adults in the region.
Why this matters for Henderson
Providing dedicated housing for former foster youth aligns with Henderson’s broader goals of fostering strong families and safe neighborhoods. By partnering with county programs and nonprofit organizations, the Sunrise Ranch project demonstrates how private development can complement public initiatives to protect individual liberty and promote community stability.
Local leaders and residents are encouraged to support similar collaborations that address pressing social challenges while upholding the values of faith, family, and personal responsibility that define our community.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
