INDIANAPOLIS — CVS Health announced today it will invest $10 million to build a new 48-unit multifamily supportive housing community in Indianapolis called St. Lucas Lofts, as part of the company’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health at the local level. Made possible through the company’s partnerships with CREA, LLC., and nonprofit co-developers Englewood Community Development Corporation (ECDC) and RDOOR Housing Corporation, St. Lucas Lofts will welcome families earning 30%, 50%, and 60% of Area Median Income (“AMI”), with 10 units reserved for youth transitioning from homelessness thanks to a $2 million investment from the City of Indianapolis. St. Lucas Lofts will be located at Rural and New York streets.
This announcement comes as Indianapolis seeks a continued decline in homelessness, which dropped by 9% in 2022. Despite the decline, a number of trends underscore the urgency of additional supportive housing. That includes the disproportionate representation of Black and African American individuals — more than half (56%) — among Indianapolis’ homeless population. Further demonstrating the community’s need, the Indiana Department of Education identified that in the 2018-2019 academic year 1.5% of the state’s total student population (16,380) experienced homelessness, with Black and African American students representing 27% of this group — while only totaling 12% of Indiana’s student population.
The City of Indianapolis is investing $2 million in the collaboration, securing 10 units earmarked for youths experiencing homelessness. Facilitated through Indianapolis’ Department of Metropolitan Development, referrals for St. Lucas Lofts’ young adult residents will be provided by nonprofit Outreach, Inc., the city’s only organization providing wrap-around supportive services specifically to young adults experiencing homelessness. Residents will have access to Outreach, Inc.’s comprehensive well-being programs.
Residents of St. Lucas Lofts will also have access to educational opportunities and employment services and training through CVS Health’s workforce initiatives regional partnerships with Simon Youth Foundation, Ivy Tech Community College and Indiana Manpower Placement and Comprehensive Training (IMPACT).
In addition, John Boner Neighborhood Centers (JBNC) will host financial literacy and money management workshops tailored for adults of all ages at St. Lucas Lofts. And to further position individuals to thrive, JNBC will also hold job placement and interview prep workshops designed for the competitive labor market.
