On July 17 at 10 a.m., RealAmerica, Sheltering Wings and Cummins Behavioral Health Systems will break ground on Haven Homes, a supportive-housing apartment community in Plainfield, Ind. Residents in all 52 units will have access to affordable housing and support services. The project – the result of tax credits for supportive housing initiatives – will remove barriers for those who might not otherwise seek affordable housing assistance, domestic abuse support or mental health services.
RealAmerica Development, LLC, a WBE-certified organization, was created in 1995 for the purpose of developing and constructing affordable housing through the use of Rental Housing Tax Credits, the program helping to make Haven Homes possible. “RealAmerica carefully selects sites that bring people close to community services, transportation and employment opportunities. Haven Homes is no exception,” said Ronda Shrewsbury Weybright, RealAmerica president and owner. “The partnership with Sheltering Wings and Cummins Behavioral Health Systems helps fulfill all our expectations for this site and more.”
“This community will be a godsend for the people and families at Sheltering Wings,” said Cassie Mecklenburg, the shelter’s executive director. “Affordable housing, quality childcare, reliable transportation and access to mental health services have long been obstacles for building stability and self-sufficiency. Because 13 of these units will be held in reserve, Haven Homes will give our families a remarkable boost as they continue building independent lives.”
Haven Homes will feature an out-of-the-ordinary clubhouse/community resource center.
“The community resource center is one of the most impressive features of this development,” said Michelle Freeman, director of county operations – Hendricks County at Cummins Behavioral Health Systems. “Our staff provide mental health services in the clubhouse, and Sheltering Wings will use it to conduct case management, life skills classes and prevention and education programs for residents. Our agencies will also serve residents from Plainfield, Hendricks County, Indianapolis and the region.”
“More than anything else, this project is about strengthening our community,” said Mecklenburg. “As we ensure all of our neighbors can afford housing, by decreasing the stigma domestic violence survivors feel and by providing access to quality mental health services, we will all have cause to be even more proud to call Hendricks County and the region our home.”
Construction will begin this summer and is scheduled for completion in Spring of 2021.
