Oaklawn breaks ground on new housing project with Lacasa

Oaklawn broke ground in early July on a new project that will provide more permanent supportive housing in Elkhart. A new 11-unit, $1.5 million building will be constructed on the 2700 block of Benham Avenue. The project is in partnership with Lacasa, Inc., funded through the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, on land apportioned by Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

It’s the fourth partnership of its kind between Oaklawn and Lacasa and is one of the many ways Oaklawn partners with others to address complex issues involving mental health, addiction and homelessness.

“We clearly understand the need, and we’ve been happy to partner with Lacasa before,” Oaklawn President and CEO Laurie Nafziger told WSBT News at the groundbreaking ceremony July 8. “They’re the experts on housing, and we understand the work with seriously mentally ill. It’s just a great partnership and we are so happy it’s happening today.”

The apartment complex, built by R. Yoder Construction, will feature 11 550-square-foot apartments, as well as a laundry room and community room. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2020.