For most of us, it’s hard to imagine being on your own in the world at 18 years old, without the support of a family and home. Yet across the nation, thousands of young people are in this challenging, risky situation — and facing difficult odds.

Safe housing with supportive services, in an inclusive community, can be a lifeline.

In New York City’s Central Harlem, Freddie Mac Multifamily is working with our Optigo® lender KeyBank and the nonprofit Homeward NYC to help finance a new, supportive housing community — for young people, ages 18-25, who identify as LGBTQ+.

Some 40% of the city’s homeless youth population identify as LGBTQ+.

“When your family tells you that who you are is fundamentally wrong, it fractures your sense of self and safety,” said Jeannette Ruffins, CEO of Homeward NYC. “They become homeless younger, and they are often homeless longer.”

Picture of houses in Harlem

Construction of Homeward Central Harlem

Forward Commitments

Freddie Mac Multifamily provided forward commitment financing to help build Homeward Central Harlem. Our Forwards are one important way we fuel the supply of new affordable housing — by agreeing to purchase loans after construction or substantial rehabilitation with certain financing terms locked in today. This can provide greater certainty and limit the risks of executing complex multifamily deals in volatile markets. 

A Move Forward to a Better Future

“What we hope is that once our young adults are in a safe and affirming space, they can start to explore what they want for the future,” said Ruffins.

It’s our mission in action. And it’s just one of the many ways we’re working together to make home possible.