Each year in Indiana, approximately 12,000 young people live in foster care, ranging from infants to teenagers. Of those, an estimated 300–500 age out of the system without finding a permanent home.
For many, the challenges don't end there. Nearly one in five young adults who age out of foster care experience homelessness within two years of leaving the system. Limited access to stable housing often creates barriers to education, employment, and other opportunities, making it difficult to break cycles of poverty and instability.
That's where Pando Aspen Grove of Community Heights makes a difference. Pando provides permanent supportive housing for young adults ages 18–24, primarily serving those aging out of foster care and others facing housing insecurity.
The First Milestone on the Journey: Housing
This July, Pando Aspen Grove celebrates its fifth anniversary. Since opening its doors in 2021, Pando has operated with a simple but powerful philosophy: housing first.
A stable home is the foundation for everything else. Before young people can focus on education, employment, or building a future, they need a safe place to live. Pando provides 30 one-bedroom apartments where residents can establish that stability and independence. The community also includes a gathering space, computer lab, laundry facilities, offices for supportive services, and an on-site food pantry.
Over the past five years, Pando has served more than 100 young adults.
One former resident, Breauna, shared how moving into Pando gave her the opportunity to leave a difficult living situation and begin a new chapter.
“I have been in high spirits,” she said. “I’m very thankful I have somewhere to call home, lay my head, take hot showers, and cook hot meals.”
By ensuring residents have access to the essentials, Pando creates the stability needed for them to focus on their goals and future opportunities.
The Next Stop: Programs and Support
As Pando Program Manager De'Aundre Williams shared in an article by Christian Theological Seminary when speaking about Pando’s Fifth Anniversary, “Housing stability is more than a roof; it is the foundation for healing, hope, and generational change.”
That belief is reflected in the next step of the Pando journey; a wide range of support services available to residents. Once young adults have a safe, private place to call home, they are better positioned to engage with programs that help them grow and thrive.
Residents have access to services including cooking classes, legal assistance, health insurance support, mental health resources, community-building events, and much more.
Breauna spoke about the impact those services had on her experience.
“I am very grateful for the assistance we get from our social workers. I found a great therapist that is here to help me with the resources from Pando.”
George, another resident, came to Pando after experiencing homelessness. Although he arrived with very little, he quickly became an active member of the community.
“I have helped people here and there at Pando,” he said. “I served as President and Vice President on the Tenant Council. During my time living in Pando, I completed my Catapult Advanced Manufacturing Certification and ServSafe Certification, helped suggest the NARCAN boxes, and brought creative ideas for social events.”
Stories like George's demonstrate how stable housing can open doors to leadership, personal growth, and community involvement.
As Pando has grown, so has its impact. The program's NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) score has risen to 89, reflecting its success in helping young adults secure and maintain permanent housing. The score measures not only residents' housing stability while living at Pando, but also their long-term success after leaving the program. It highlights positive outcomes in employment, education, and, most importantly, continued access to safe and stable housing.
The Final Steppingstone: A Better, More Hopeful Future
What does success at Pando Aspen Grove look like?
For George, success means continuing to grow while giving back to others. One of his goals is to return to therapy and continue building a positive future. He also volunteers with another LCFS program, the Sharing Place food pantry, where he hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges.
“Hopefully I can give my peers hope that if I can do it, they can do it too,” he said.
For Breauna, Pando has been an opportunity to start over and rediscover herself.
“For the past year, this has been the happiest I've been in 25 years. I feel like I have been able to find myself again and turn my life around. I do not believe it would be possible without Pando. Thank you.”
Stories like these are only possible through collaboration. Pando is fortunate to work alongside incredible community partners, including United Way of Central Indiana, EmployIndy, Julian Center, Mirror Indy, Foster Success, Thrivent, Trusted Mentors, and many others.
These partnerships, combined with the dedication of the Pando Aspen Grove staff, make it possible to provide young adults with more than housing. Together, they create opportunities for healing, growth, and lasting change.
As one staff member shared, “It makes me feel like a wonderful provider. I am so thankful to be a part of our Pando team, making a difference one young adult at a time.”
Five years after opening its doors, Pando Aspen Grove continues to demonstrate that housing is more than a roof overhead. It is the first step toward stability, opportunity, and a brighter future.
