What We Know: A new affordable housing community is getting ready to take shape in north Springfield.
Elevate Lives is breaking ground on Elevate Heights, a new development near East Kearney Street aimed at helping low-income families work toward financial independence.
What It Means: The project will eventually include two apartment buildings with 21 units each.
Phase One starts with construction of the first 21-unit building. It’s expected to be finished around January or February of 2027.
Each apartment will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms and will be offered at a reduced rental rate.
But organizers say this isn’t just about providing a cheaper place to live.
What’s Next: Residents will also take part in on-site coaching, job skills training, financial education and personal mentorship.
Elevate Lives founder and CEO Russ Gosselin says the goal is to help people who are serious about moving forward and eventually becoming financially independent.
Once both phases are finished, Elevate Heights will have room for as many as 42 families.
The project is also getting a major financial boost. Elevate Lives will receive a $3 million check on behalf of the Federal Home Loan Bank during the groundbreaking ceremony.
The ceremony runs from noon until 12:40 Monday afternoon at the Elevate Center on East Kearney Street.
(Photo provided by the Elevate Lives Facebook page)