New housing project gives young adults ‘second chance at another life’

A housing project for young adults is up and running on Indianapolis’ west side.

Jake’s Place is a transitional housing complex. It was created by VOICES, a local nonprofit that provides resources to youth in the city.

Kia Wright is the founder of VOICES. She says Jake’s Place provides young adults 18 to 22 with stable, supportive housing as they plan for their future.

“We can teach all the financial literacy and education and workforce development,” she said, “but when you don’t where you're laying your head, no one is really focusing on that.”

The apartment can house up to 10 people. It currently has five residents, including 22-year-old Xavier Boyd. He said he's grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s just like a second chance at another life,”  Boyd said.

The complex was funded by federal relief money from Indianapolis, and represents one way the city has tried to reach more youth experiencing homelessness.

Young adults can stay at Jake’s Place for up to 15 months. While living there, residents must do a monthly community service project to stay in the program. Supportive services available include onsite weekly therapy and case managers.

VOICES also has an emergency shelter for youth 14 to 17 called The Blossom House. That space houses seven teenagers.

Wright said these kinds of programs are a good start, but more work needs to be done.

“You know housing shouldn’t be optional for young folks, and I think that policy makers and systems need to do a better job,” she said. “Part of that is investing in these types of spaces.”

Wright also said the nonprofit is working on a housing complex for families, located next door to Jake’s Place. Its completion has not yet been finalized.