Trinity Services is looking to fill a void in the southwest suburban housing market with a new apartment complex for people with disabilities.
Prairie Trail at The Landings will provide a permanent supportive housing option for a population that is typically underserved, Trinity representatives said.
“I’m super excited about this one because it’s in our hometown, and I just feel there are so many people that currently receiving services that want so much to have the opportunity to live in an apartment,” said Thane Dykstra, Trinity Services president and CEO.
The apartment complex, which will be built on one acre at 418 Landings Drive, received a celebratory kickoff at a recent groundbreaking ceremony.
Once built, Prairie Trail at The Landings will house 22 one-bedroom units and 3 three-bedroom units. Each unit will be equipped with its own kitchen, bathroom, living space and storage.
The building’s first floor and common areas will be staffed by Trinity Services personnel, who will provide residents with support in areas such as budgeting, job counseling, social skills and cooking.
There is some demand for permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities not just in New Lenox, but throughout the state, Trinity officials said.
Dykstra said Trinity Services is excited to help fill a need for affordable housing because “it’s so hard to find nice living accommodations in New Lenox.”
“There’s not all that many apartments in New Lenox that have the rental subsidies,” he said.
A waiting list for this type of housing has generated interest from more than 10,000 adults with disabilities throughout Illinois, officials said. Members of this population receive an average of $750 per month in Supplemental Security Income to cover all living expenses, but that is typically not enough to cover rent, officials said.
Located behind Presence Immediate Care near U.S. Route 30 and Cooper Road, Prairie Trail at The Landings intends to place future residents in proximity to job and volunteer opportunities, shopping, transit, health care, professional services, recreation and more, according to materials provided by Trinity. Another acre surrounding the building is designated by Trinity Services for walking paths, gardens and recreational programs for residents to enjoy.
To live at Prairie Trail at The Landings, prospective residents must have a low income and possess a disability that requires the support of a caregiver.
Trinity Services provides support to “ roughly 3,500 people in more than 30 communities in northeast, central and southwest Illinois,” according to its website.
Dykstra said Trinity Services has a number of existing clients who are ready to live more independently in an apartment complex such as Prairie Trail at The Landings.
“Some are with parents,” he said. “There were a number of parents at the groundbreaking. … There are a couple people living in group homes who are ready to transition out.”
Dykstra thanked New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, saying the future apartment complex has been received well, even as projects of this type sometimes face opposition in other communities.
“I think that Trinity has been a skillful provider that’s trustworthy, that has a track record of delivering supports,” he said. “We have many group homes in New Lenox where we’re good neighbors. I think that people already perceive that we’re a trustworthy provider through having an established track record in New Lenox.”