Lincoln breaks ground on historic permanent supportive housing project [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, along with community and federal representatives, broke ground Thursday on Lincoln’s first-ever permanent supportive housing location, marking a historic milestone for the city.

The mayor was joined by Peter Hind, Director of the Urban Development Department; Justin Schulz, founding partner of BIC Construction; Topher Hansen, President and CEO of CenterPointe; Kitty Amaya, HUD Nebraska Field Office Director; and City Councilmember Brodey Weber.

The groundbreaking at 8th and J streets is just one of the several priority projects that Mayor Gaylor Baird highlighted in her 2023 State of the City address.

The initiative aims to reduce chronic homelessness in Lincoln by providing housing that fosters independent living and tenancy skills.

“Studies show that when we invest in housing first approaches for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, we reduce emergency room visits, decrease involvement with the criminal justice system, and significantly improve overall health outcomes,” …