(June 11, 2019) -- The Fort Wayne Housing Authority, UP Development, Park Center and other partners broke ground today on River’s Edge Apartments, a 56-unit new construction development providing a mix of one- and two- bedroom units of Permanent Supportive Housing for homeless and at-risk individuals and families with disabilities.

The development will also include a specific targeting set-aside for those experiencing chronic homelessness and prioritized through the local Continuum of Care. All 56 units will be subsidized through vouchers from the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, and supportive services will be coordinated onsite by Park Center, Fort Wayne’s community mental health center.

River’s Edge will be located at 3555 Spy Run Ave. Ext., near several grocery stores, parks, retail establishments and the Purdue Fort Wayne University campus. Two bus lines connect the site directly to downtown, providing residents with a convenient and accessible transportation option. On-site amenities including a large community room with a TV and small library, a fitness room, a computer room, bike racks, laundry facilities, and convenient walking paths to nearby retail centers will also be available to all residents. All units will include modern appliances, wooden cabinetry in bathrooms and kitchens, and additional finishing touches such as closet organizers. All ground floor units will be accessible/adaptable, and an elevator will guarantee access to the building’s second floor.

“We are pleased to break ground on this unique housing opportunity for the Fort Wayne community,” said George Guy, FWHA executive director. “There is a real need for supportive housing in our nation and River’s Edge will provide a solution for families in our community who are in need of critical wraparound services that will help us reduce cases of homelessness within our city,” he added.

“The City of Fort Wayne is proud to be a partner in River’s Edge,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. “This type of housing development is critically needed in our community to help address chronic homelessness and we are grateful to the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, UP Development, and Park Center for their dedication to seeing this project to completion.”

Several community partners came together in developing River’s Edge and solidifying all of the necessary supportive services including the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, Park Center, UP Development, CREA, Fifth Third Bank, IFF, IHCDA, the City of Fort Wayne, First Source Bank, Department of Housing and Urban Development, CSH, Homeless Planning Council, The Hagerman Group, Inc., and MartinRiley Architect-Engineers.