Somerset County Celebrates Groundbreaking of Bridge House, A New Supportive Housing Community for At‑Risk Young Adults

Bridgewater, N.J. — On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Commissioner Sara Sooy joined Visions and Pathways, community partners, and local leaders to break ground on Bridge House, a new ten‑unit affordable housing project designed to provide safe, stable homes for at‑risk youth and young adults transitioning to independence.

Bridge House will feature ten studio apartments reserved for very low‑income young adults ages 18 to 24 who have aged out of New Jersey’s foster care system or experienced homelessness. For many, it will be the first opportunity to build a secure foundation for adulthood.

A Lifeline for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

“Each year, approximately 800 youth in New Jersey age out and are often without access to safe, affordable housing,” Commissioner Sooy said during the ceremony. “Somerset County is grateful to Visions and Pathways for decades of commitment to helping youth put their lives back together when they have nowhere else to turn. Now, with Bridge House, that work continues to help young adults transition to a new life phase.”

Bridge House is designed not only as housing, but as a supportive community. The site will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring residents have access to guidance, stability, and immediate assistance.

Comprehensive Support Through Visions and Pathways

Residents will receive wraparound services through Visions and Pathways’ Prosperity program and Behavioral Health Department, including:

• Life skills development
• Counseling and behavioral health support
• Employment readiness
• Financial literacy
• Long‑term planning and goal setting

This structure helps young adults build confidence, independence, and the tools needed to thrive.

A Boost Toward Self‑Sufficiency

David Walker, CEO and Executive Director of Visions and Pathways, emphasized the urgency of the project.

“The need for safe and stable housing is off the charts, especially for youth who have aged out of foster care or who have experienced homelessness and don’t have family support,” Walker said. “What we’re doing here today gives them the boost they need to become self‑sufficient and to thrive as young adults.”

A New Chapter for Somerset County Youth

Bridge House represents a major step forward in Somerset County’s commitment to supporting vulnerable young adults. By pairing affordable housing with consistent, compassionate services, the project creates a pathway toward stability, dignity, and long‑term independence.

Residents can learn more about Visions and Pathways by visiting visionsandpathways.org.

Photos from Somerset County. No photographer listed. 

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