Five years ago, a shared vision became reality: creating a place where young adults experiencing homelessness could find more than just a roof over their heads. They could find stability, support, and the opportunity to build a brighter future.
Today, Pando Aspen Grove is celebrating five years of helping young adults ages 18 to 24 take meaningful steps toward independence and long-term success.
Developed through a partnership between Lutheran Child & Family Services (LCFS), Community Health Network, and TWG, Pando Aspen Grove was launched in 2021 as Marion County's first permanent supportive housing community designed specifically for young adults experiencing homelessness. Built on the Housing First model, Pando recognizes that stable housing is the foundation for achieving goals, overcoming challenges, and creating lasting change.
Located on Indianapolis' east side, Pando consists of 30 one-bedroom apartments where young adults can live independently while accessing personalized support services, educational resources, case management, and a community that encourages growth and connection.
Five Years of Impact
Over the past five years, approximately 275 young adults have called Pando home.
Along the way, the community has:
- Hosted more than 260 tenant events that foster connection and belonging.
- Maintained an average tenant stay of 18 months, providing the stability needed to pursue personal goals.
- Helped 89% of tenants make progress toward their housing stability goals.
- Seen 97% of tenants voluntarily engage in supportive services tailored to their individual needs and aspirations.
While these numbers are meaningful, the real impact is found in the lives behind them.
One current tenant recently set out to achieve a goal he had carried for years: earning his GED. With encouragement from Pando staff, he enrolled in a GED preparation program and quickly discovered he was much closer to success than he had realized. After demonstrating strong academic readiness, he now stands on the verge of earning his diploma.
His story reflects what happens when determination is met with stability, support, and opportunity.
The Power of Partnership
Pando's success has always been rooted in collaboration. Over the past five years, community organizations, healthcare providers, housing partners, funders, and supporters have helped make this work possible.
Funding from the Central Indiana Community Foundation's Elevation Grant Program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has played a critical role in sustaining services that help young adults not only find housing, but also build pathways toward long-term success.
As Programs Manager De'Aundre Williams explains:
"Change happens when ordinary people and committed partners decide that someone's future is worth investing in. We may not be able to change every circumstance a young person has faced, but together, we can change what comes next."
Looking Ahead
As Pando Aspen Grove enters its next chapter, its mission remains unchanged: ensuring young adults experiencing homelessness have access to the housing, support, and opportunities they need not just to survive, but to thrive.
Five years later, the impact is clear. When young people have a safe place to call home and a community that believes in them, new beginnings are possible every day.
