INDIANAPOLIS - The Vecino Group, based in Missouri, has pulled their plans for a Supportive Housing Development, Espero Indianapolis, in the Fall Creek Place neighborhood.
This comes after intense opposition from people who live in that community. The proposed development was slated to be built on a vacant lot at the intersection of East 25th Street and North Delaware streets.
Andy Beck, a housing advocate in Indianapolis, says a lot of pushback on projects like Espero Indianapolis are based on fear. Beck believes clear, concise information can overcome that fear.
Beck says the number of those who are facing homelessness in Marion County is increasing weekly.
"In my day job, I work with people getting evicted at our nine township eviction courts. We're evicting as a city, hundreds of people every week," Beck said.
The latest numbers available show there are almost 2,000 people in Marion County experiencing homelessness. Advocates like Beck believe the true number is much higher.
RELATED | Housing First Studies
He hopes the next time there's a plan for supportive housing in Indianapolis, it doesn't face pushback. He says housing helps not only those experiencing homelessness but the community overall.
"Studies have shown that it helps with workforce efficiency. People are able to hold and maintain their jobs better if they're not having to find that next apartment, find that next apartment, be homeless, etc.," Beck said.
WRTV has asked The Vecino Group if they'll be looking for another location for Supportive Housing in Indianapolis. They have not responded to that question yet.
-
Mistrial declared in murder case of mother accused of daughter’s death
As of Tuesday afternoon, a mistrial has been declared for Toni McClure, the mother charged with murder in the death of her 5-year-old daughter, Kinsleigh Welty.
NCAA approves eligibility rules for Division I athletes
The NCAA approved a new eligibility model for Division I athletes that will allow five seasons of competition over a five-year period.
Neo-soul queen Erykah Badu, The Alchemist head to Indianapolis this fall
R&B and Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu and hip-hop producer The Alchemist are coming to Indianapolis this fall.
IFD: 3 boys with fireworks caused fire at east side apartment complex
A fire at an east side apartment complex on Tuesday afternoon left 12 apartments damaged, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.
