TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Feb 9, 2026

Lumen Flats, a new apartment complex in Knoxville, is the first in the U.S. designed specifically for youth aging out of foster care. According to Knox News, the apartments provide 18 studio units and access to mental health therapy and case management through a partnership with Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services. The development, created by Nashville-based firm Elmington in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, allows residents to use Foster Youth to Independence vouchers, which are often difficult to apply in traditional rental settings. In Tennessee, 70-80% of young adults leave foster care without a support system. Residents ages 18 to 24 can live at Lumen Flats for up to three years. Plans are in place to expand the model to Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga.