ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- Lacasa Inc. and Oaklawn announced they have secured a pathway to expand housing in the county through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).

Both organizations were selected in the 17th Indiana Supportive Housing Institute, a four-month program to finalize development plans for permanent supportive housing.

Officials with the organizations say they plan to build an eight-unit building with single-occupancy apartments for people over 55 experiencing homelessness, a population among the unhoused community that officials say is growing.

The building is said to be one of seven planned for Lakeview Apartments, community housing at Oaklawn’s Goshen campus at 330 Lakeview Dr.

"We’re honored and grateful to be selected for this program. It significantly enhances our ability to make a tangible impact through this development,” said Mary Bales, Oaklawn’s Manager of Housing Development. “You cannot separate wellbeing from stable housing. When people have that solid foundation, they can remain stably housed, they can access services, and they look ahead to their future. It really works.”

Officials say after the housing institute, Lacasa and Oaklawn will present a proposal to secure funding.

Lacasa will act as the developer and property manager, while Oaklawn will provide supportive services.

Officials say Maple City Health and REAL Services are also collaborative partners to support seniors' unique needs.

“Strong partnerships are essential to meeting our community’s housing needs,” says Jeremy Stutsman, President and CEO of Lacasa. “By taking a holistic approach, we ensure individuals have both stable housing and critical support services. Our collaboration with Oaklawn makes lasting change possible, and I’m grateful to their team and our dedicated Lacasa staff for their commitment to this work."