The 2024 Unsheltered Point-in-Time Count identified over 1,800 young people experiencing homelessness in King County. Creative, comprehensive strategies are urgently needed.
On January 26, construction crews broke ground at the corner of Broadway and Pine in Capitol Hill. Community Roots Housing, YouthCare, and Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority have partnered to develop a project that combines affordable housing with a comprehensive youth development center.
YouthCare is leading the development of the Constellation Center, a 24,000-square-foot facility offering workforce training, education, and wraparound services tailored for youth in need. Next to the center, Community Roots is constructing 84 new affordable homes, reserving 15 for youth transitioning out of homelessness.
“At its core, this project is a civic endeavor that meets urgent, city-wide needs to support our low-income and unhoused neighbors. We’re not just building apartments; we’re building a model for effective interventions and community empowerment,” said Christopher Persons, CEO of Community Roots Housing.
Community Roots Housing will operate the new apartments, which will include a mix of studio and one-bedroom units. These homes will serve households earning between 30% and 50% of the area median income. That is the equivalent of an individual annual income between $31,620 and $52,700. YouthCare’s Constellation Center sits at the heart of this initiative, offering young people the tools to succeed. The center will provide sector-specific job training and holistic youth services, helping participants build stable futures.
“The Constellation Center represents a bold step toward transforming the lives of young people in our community,” said Degale Cooper, CEO of YouthCare. “By creating a dedicated hub for workforce development, we are bridging the gap between potential and opportunity. Young people will gain the tools, training, and support needed to build lasting careers and stable futures. This is more than a center—it’s a launching pad for the dreams of the next generation.”
While the new construction will replace the original building, the original style of the façade will be rebuilt. This expansion will allow YouthCare to broaden its programs, creating a hub of career-building opportunities and resources for young people. On March 25, we will be celebrating the groundbreaking of the project alongside our community partners. Looking forward, the project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2027.
