Rochester, N.Y. — One in four foster children will become homeless after turning 18, according to the National Foster Youth Institute.

The new Transitional Living Foster Home Pilot Program in Monroe County aims to provide housing for those teens.

"This is reaching people at a critical time in their lives, as they are growing older and aging out of the foster care system," Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said. "This is a time when they are facing an uncertain future."

The young people will receive educational support, life skills training and mentoring at The HUB 585's Hope Center on North Chestnut Street.

The organization has been meeting with foster youth to find out how it can best support them.

"They kept saying, 'Well, it doesn't really matter. We're coming into your space. This is your home,'" said Ashley Cross, founder of The HUB 585. "And I had to say, 'No, this is actually being built for you. This is your home.'"

Marla Dinkle is a former foster child.

"As a young woman, I remember being overwhelmed a lot," she said. "Not knowing, having an attitude of survival and really just feeling like by any means necessary I would do what I have to do to make sure my family is taken care of. "

She believes The HUB 585 provides a safe, stable environment for those transitioning out of the system, as well as resources to help them make good choices.

The new program is expected to welcome its first six young women in July. They'll live with a licensed Monroe County foster parent. The HUB 585 hopes to eventually purchase a home for young men in foster care.