From Empty Lot to Lifeline: Foster Forward’s Next Big Housing Move
To support housing projects such as these, please click the donate button a t the top of the page.
At Foster Forward, we don’t just respond to challenges—we rethink them. When it comes to affordable housing, we know the stakes are high and the resources limited. That’s why we’re constantly asking: What can we do better? Faster? More Efficiently?
This year, we’re proud to unveil a bold new housing project that transforms possibility into progress. Later this spring, we’ll break ground on two new affordable units—a two-bedroom single-family home and a one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit (ADU)—on a formerly undeveloped parcel of land. What was once an overflow parking lot will soon be a lifeline.
Policy Meets Possibility
When we purchased a multi-family home in Pawtucket in 2022, it came with an adjacent undeveloped parcel. It was too small for a typical multi-family development and too costly to build just one unit—it sat idle.
Then, Rhode Island’s new 2024 ADU law changed everything. The law allows homeowners to build an accessory unit on their property—unlocking affordable housing opportunities that simply weren’t possible before.
Suddenly, our tiny lot had potential. And we moved fast.
We partnered with Peter Lofgren of Lofgren Consulting Architect LLC, who previously helped improve safety infrastructure at the property, to design a creative, energy-efficient build that maximizes every inch—and adds two new units to our portfolio. This single project will increase Foster Forward’s owned housing stock by over 22%.
"At Foster Forward, we’re always looking for ways to stretch our donor dollars and break new ground—literally and figuratively,” said Lisa Guillette, Executive Director. “This project shows how bold thinking, strong partnerships, and responsive policy can come together to create real change.”
A Bigger Vision for Housing
This project is just the latest chapter in our long-term commitment to creating permanent, affordable housing for youth aging out of care and families impacted by the child welfare system.
Over the past five years, we’ve grown from just providing temporary housing support to also becoming a direct owner and developer of affordable housing in Rhode Island. Our model pairs housing with wraparound services because we know a lease alone isn’t enough. Young people also need stability, guidance, and a support network to succeed.
We’re continuing to expand our portfolio strategically—property by property, solution by solution—always asking how we can fill the gaps left by the public system and meet real needs with smart, scalable ideas.
Designed for Impact
Both new homes will be reserved for individuals and families earning at or below 50% of the area's median income, providing deeply affordable options in a high-demand market. They’ll be built to high-efficiency standards, including solar panels and advanced insulation, keeping costs low for residents and reducing environmental impact.
Construction is set to begin later this spring, with doors opening to new tenants before the end of the year.
And while we’re seeking some additional public funding, the majority of this project will be powered by donor support, including gifts from our 401 Gives campaign. These unrestricted dollars are what make nimble, high-impact projects like this possible.
Turning Space into Solutions
This isn’t just another construction project—it’s a proof point. Innovative housing solutions don’t always require massive developments. That smart use of existing assets and policy shifts can open doors—literally.
What some see as a spare lot, we see as a future home.
Because when we talk about building brighter futures for foster youth, we mean that in every sense of the word. We build stability. We build opportunity. And with your support, we’re building more than ever.
Let’s keep breaking new ground—together.
