New affordable housing complex sets aside units for youth experiencing homelessness

A new affordable, supportive housing project has been announced on Near Eastside. 

St. Lucas Lofts will create 48 new affordable housing units with supportive services onsite. Funding for the new complex comes from a partnership to address the affordable housing crisis. 

The city has committed $2 million to support 10 units for youth experiencing homelessness. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said access to safe, affordable housing is critical.

“It impacts nearly every other major challenge that we face. Poverty, crime, access to education, access to meaningful economic opportunity, access to health care,” Hogsett said.

CVS Health is providing $10 million for the project as part of its mission to address social determinants of health on the local level. 

Other community partners will provide supportive services including workforce support, mental health, primary care and education opportunities at the complex.

Englewood CDC Executive Director Joe Bowling said private investment is key.

“When the right things happen, when big companies invest in impact initiatives toward equitable solutions like this it really should be applauded,” Bowling said.

The city has adopted a housing first approach to address homelessness and other disparities said City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson.

“Affordable housing is a basic need,” Adamson said, “it is a right that everyone should have access to.”

Indiana Supportive Housing Institute first conceived the housing project four years ago.

The transit oriented development is located on the Near Eastside is close to the IndyGo’s planned Blue Line.

Families earning 30 percent, 50 percent, and 60 percent of Area Median Income may apply for the new housing opportunity.

The city of Indianapolis has committed $7.8 million to create more than 100 permanent supportive housing units.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.