A new affordable housing project has broken ground on the west side of Indianapolis. It will offer 61 units to individuals and families. The building will offer 15 units to veterans experiencing homelessness.

Proctor Place is named for an Indiana National Guard Sgt. Joey Proctor who was killed in action while serving in Iraq in 2006. Veterans experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, will be able to use housing vouchers and receive other supportive services through the program.

Helping Veterans and Families, HVAF President and CEO Brian Copes says there will be a plaque in the building honoring Proctor and his combat actions. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his efforts to stop a vehicular suicide bomb attack.

“We know what the story is and so his legacy is going to carry on for years and years,” Copes said.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the project is a partnership between the city of Indianapolis, HVAF, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and developer Woda Cooper.

“It is responsible, it is necessary and it is aimed at addressing some of our city's most pressing concerns,” Hogsett said.

There’s a lack of affordable, high quality, housing options in Indianapolis. The other units will be available to residents at 30, 50 and 80 percent of area median income.

Hogsett said he expects the need for housing to continue as the city moves out of the pandemic.

“We can expect many of our neighbors to be navigating personal and professional transition for some time to come,” Hogsett said.

The building may be open as soon as the end of this year.