In the heart of Indianapolis, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant neighborhoods, a beacon of hope is rising. Community leaders and local officials recently gathered to break ground on a groundbreaking new housing complex, set to open its doors in the summer of 2025. But this is no ordinary housing development; it's a sanctuary for those battling substance use disorders and their families, offering not just shelter, but a lifeline to a brighter future.
Fred Yeakey, an educator at Providence Cristo Rey High School, envisioned this initiative in response to the struggles he witnessed among his students. "There will be times that we will have breaks from school, and I will come back to school looking to invite our students back — whether it's summer break, Christmas break — and these students would be gone," Yeakey shared. "And when you do home visits, they're gone because the homes that they were living in [are] no longer available, there's locks on there."
Realizing that stable housing is fundamental to breaking the cycles of poverty and addiction, Yeakey founded 2 Thirty-Eight Properties LLC, the driving force behind this transformative project. Securing low-income housing tax credits from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority in 2023 marked a crucial milestone, paving the way for collaboration with partners like Seeds of Hope and Volunteers of America Indiana and Ohio.
The result? The Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Apartments & Family Center, an $11-million endeavor comprising two buildings offering 36 two- and three-bedroom units. But this is more than just a place to live. The first floor of one building will serve as a hub for essential services, including mental health and addiction support, employment assistance, transportation services, and even a preschool operated by St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center.
For individuals like Dana Cahill, who battled substance use for 15 years, finding stable housing post-treatment was a monumental challenge. "We’ve run our lives to the ground and just ruined everything along the way, so it's really overwhelming," Cahill reflected. "I think a reason why a lot of people are afraid to get sober is because of all the work that you have to do."
Cahill's journey towards recovery was arduous, but with support from organizations like Volunteers of America, she found the footing she needed to rebuild her life. Now sober, she cherishes the opportunity to give back and support others on their path to recovery. "I don't know what I would have done [or] where I would have went if I wouldn't have had that opportunity," Cahill expressed.
The Marvetta & Anthony Grimes Apartments & Family Center represents more than just bricks and mortar; it's a symbol of hope and resilience. As Kevin Moore, Chief Strategy Officer for Volunteers of America, eloquently put it, "[This is] kind of the natural progression in our delivery of services and really see this as an opportunity for us to meet a growing need in the community."
With completion slated for May or June of next year, this initiative stands poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families. It's a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive. As the sun sets on the horizon of Indianapolis, a new dawn of hope rises, illuminating the path towards a brighter tomorrow.