2/10/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-6709 |
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Community’s push to fight homelessness continues
Mayor, developer break ground new housing opportunities for city’s homeless
INDIANAPOLIS - This spring, dozens of local residents struggling with homelessness will find hope and opportunity on the city’s Eastside thanks to several newly renovated housing units.
Mayor Bart Peterson today joined developers, community leaders and local residents to kick off the redevelopment of The Gladstone, an eighty-year-old apartment building (located at 4317 E. Washington Street) that will soon house more than 50 residents experiencing chronic homelessness or on the brink of becoming homeless. The Gladstone is one of several new housing developments and initiatives supported by the city’s Blueprint to End Homelessness, the ambitious plan released in 2002 to prevent and end chronic homelessness in Indianapolis.
The Gladstone redevelopment is being led by Partners In Housing Development Corporation in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, which committed $500,000 in federal grant funding towards the acquisition and rehabilitation of the building. Other partners include the Marion County Health Department and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
Upon completion this spring, The Gladstone will become the second Blueprint-supported housing development initiated by Partners In Housing to open in as many years. The non-profit organization has redeveloped and currently manages nearly 300 affordable housing units, all of which serve the homeless and persons with special needs. Their work has gained national recognition with a "Best Practice" award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
"The Gladstone is poised to become another great chapter in our community-wide effort to lift-up our homeless neighbors and end this pervasive problem," said Mayor Peterson. "Thanks to this public/private partnership led by Partners In Housing, dozens of our fellow citizens, who have faced the hardships of homelessness, will soon have a safe, decent place to live and an opportunity to acquire the skills and tools necessary to succeed in the years to come."
The Mayor was on hand last year as Partners unveiled Colonial Park, the revitalized apartment complex located across the street from The Gladstone, which opened its doors to more than 100 formerly homeless and at-risk residents.
Like Colonial Park, The Gladstone will feature onsite services to support residents with special needs, including persons with disabilities and those facing other challenges that can lead to unstable housing situations. Services such as mental health counseling, job training and healthcare, will be made available to help residents achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.
"The Gladstone is another step in a new model for developing permanent supportive housing," said Partners In Housing Executive Director Frank Hagaman. "The national average cost is $100,000 per unit, and Partners is showing that it can be done for far less."
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