Peoria's Phoenix Community Development Services is opening housing to combat homelessness among young adults

PEORIA (25News Now) – Phoenix Community Development Services has opened a third apartment building in downtown Peoria with the goal of reducing homelessness among young adults.

The first building opened in 2018, the second in 2022. The official opening of the new building at 206 NE Madison took place on Thursday.

Half of the 16 apartments have residents. Each unit has a bed, a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and stove.

What is unique about this accommodation is that it is specifically suitable for young adults aged 18 to 24. Residents must be homeless or at risk of homelessness and have a disabling behavioral disorder.

“One of the most meaningful parts of this is actually when you give them their key and the key to a mailbox,” said Christine Kahl, CEO of Phoenix Community Development Services. “It's always very refreshing to see how meaningful it is to them, to have an address and to really know that they belong somewhere.”

In addition to mailboxes, residents have access to a lounge, laundry center and staff to provide support services. The building also has an art space that Phoenix Community Development Services officials want to use to collaborate with community artists and help residents be creative.

Approximately $5 million of funding for this project came from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA).

“Each funding source has different compliance policies, and so sometimes you can get confused in the details of a job, but it's worth it when we can come out and see something as beautiful as this,” said Karen Davis, deputy IDHA Managing Director.

The City of Peoria also awarded the project a $600,000 grant.

To get space at the Phoenix Community Development Services Apartments, they recommend going to their office at 202 NE Madison Avenue or calling them at 309-674-7310.

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