A new residential apartment building in downtown Peoria for individuals aged 18 to 24 is now open.
Phoenix Community Development Services built the 16-unit building at 205 NE Madison Ave. for young adults experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or who have a disabling behavioral health condition.
Phoenix CEO Christine Kahl said the goal is to provide permanent, supportive housing for these young adults.
“The entire block here will provide an urban oasis with green space, a seating area, an entertainment stage, and an extension of our mural to support our efforts to continue unifying the downtown area and providing a relaxing space for all of our residents to enjoy,” she said.
Kahl said the downtown location will connect residents to public transportation and employment opportunities.
The project was funded with grant support from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the City of Peoria.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said the city is making “significant progress” to attract new affordable developments to the city, and that there are more on the way.
“However, our work is not done, and this is the work for all of us in this room, in this area and our community partners for more affordable housing to help transition individuals and families out of shelters and off the streets into permanent housing,” she said.
State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, praised the project for being a solution to homelessness.
“You have to have a plan, and you have to have money,” he said. “And people say, well, we don't know if we should spend that much money on this. They say we’re spending too much money on this. We're spending money anyway. You know, you talk to the sheriff's department, talk to the police department, we are spending that money, and we're not successful. So this is what success looks like.”
The apartments are now available for people to move into, with some already occupied by residents. Anyone looking to move in can contact Phoenix's Homeless Outreach Team by calling 309-674-7310 or visiting the office at 202 NE Madison Ave.
