Life-Changing Housing in North Point, Salem

A new kind of apartment building opened in the North Point neighborhood of Salem in April 2019. Designed for formerly homeless youth and youth aging out of foster care, Harbor Crossing has 16 subsidized studio apartments and has been home to 23 youth since its inception. 

100% affordable, Harbor Crossing is run by the North Shore Community Development Coalition (CDC). North Shore CDC has over 300 units in the North Point neighborhood of Salem, but the Harbor Crossing model differs from other affordable housing projects. For young people facing housing instability, it is a unique opportunity to have stable, safe, and secure housing with their own name on the lease.

Residents are supported with an on-site residential manager and one-on-one counseling with Youth Services Coordinator. Services are voluntary, as are community events. Residents have the right to self-determination and every time a new resident moves in, they are provided with all the furniture, bedding, and kitchenware they will need – but it isn’t set up. Harbor Crossing staff want people to have the opportunity to set up their first apartment as they see fit. 

Of those who’ve lived at Harbor Crossing, 7 youth successfully moved onto permanent housing. As Harbor Crossing resident Luis described, “It’s really teaching me to be an adult”.

The widespread reality of eviction shows our housing ecosystem to be unstable and unsustainable. Innovative housing models like Harbor Crossing keep people housed safely and pave the way for a housing landscape that meets everyone’s needs.