Actor Christian Bale is leading a $22 million initiative to build a dedicated foster care village in Palmdale, California, aimed at keeping siblings in the foster system together. The project, developed through his nonprofit organization Together California, broke ground in February 2024 and is expected to welcome its first residents in early 2026.
Located next to McAdam Park, the village will include 12 family homes, two studio apartments for young adults transitioning out of care, and a 7,000-square-foot community center. It is designed to house up to 70 foster children and provide a stable environment with full-time, professionally trained foster parents.
Bale, best known for his roles in The Dark Knight trilogy and The Fighter, was inspired to take action after learning about the trauma caused by sibling separation in the foster system. His motivation also stems from personal experiences as a father and the influence of his late father, activist David Bale.
Support and Funding
The city of Palmdale has contributed $1.2 million to the project. Bale and his co-founders — physician and producer Dr. Eric Esrailian and real estate developer Tim McCormick — raised the remaining funds over two years. The initiative has received endorsements from prominent figures, including Leonardo DiCaprio, talent agent Patrick Whitesell, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Palmdale Mayor Austin Bishop.
California has the largest number of foster children in the United States, with over 391,000 nationwide reported in 2021. The project aims to serve as a model for foster care reform, emphasizing sibling unity and long-term well-being.
Praise and Criticism
While widely praised for its vision, the project has also attracted criticism for its high cost. Some online commenters question whether $22 million for 70 children is the most effective use of resources, especially in a state with high construction and living costs.
Bale’s team has responded by emphasizing quality over quantity. “If we can transform even one child’s life, then the investment is worth it,” the organization said in a public statement.
A National Model?
Once completed, the Palmdale village could serve as a prototype for similar efforts across the country, offering a new approach to foster care that focuses on community, permanence, and connection.
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