Independence Place provides permanent, affordable housing for youth aging out of foster care.
The project is a partnership between CHN Housing Partners and the YWCA of Greater Cleveland (YWCA).
Located within the existing YWCA headquarters, Independence Place is the adaptive reuse of the YWCA’s existing building. The project was designed to meet high energy efficiency standards and has received LEED silver certification.
Independence Place includes a large, fully-equipped community room with kitchen, a common playroom area, classroom space, common laundry facilities, resident parking and a 24-hour staffed front entrance. A portion of the apartments were designed with crib rooms for those with infants.
The project is part of a broader, comprehensive program offered by the YWCA called Nurturing Independence & Aspirations (NIA).
Together, Independence Place and NIA offers permanent, affordable housing and critical services for youth aging out of foster care including on-site child care, GED services and parenting skills. Without these services, many of these youth would end up homeless or pregnant.
Independence Place was funded mainly through the use of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). Other financing included HOME funds (local, county and state), the Federal Home Loan Bank’s Affordable Housing Program and other grants.
