Founder story
Why One Anchor exists and what we are building in New York City.
Andre Andino, Founder
One Anchor Foundation was founded by Andre Andino, a DHS housing worker who has supported New York City communities impacted by housing instability. Through this work, Andre repeatedly encountered young adults whose foster care histories shaped their housing outcomes, including experiences of abuse, instability, and a lack of consistent adult support.
Andre saw how quickly young adults can be expected to manage adult responsibilities without the preparation, guidance, or resources needed for stable living. Housing applications require paperwork, organization, and follow-through, and in NYC those barriers are even heavier.
While exploring adoption himself, Andre began reflecting on the many young adults who are left behind because of age, discrimination, orientation, or placement limitations, and how difficult life becomes when the system ends and support disappears. That reflection became the foundation for One Anchor.
One Anchor is built on a simple belief: stability is possible when support is consistent. The goal is to create a program where young adults receive structured weekly support, real skill-building, and one-on-one guidance that continues long enough to change outcomes.