Louisville, Kentucky, December 11, 2025
Louisville has officially broken ground on a $58 million Community Care Campus in the Smoketown neighborhood, which aims to provide essential services and support for unhoused residents. The facility will include transitional housing, medical and behavioral health services, and community gathering spaces, among other resources. Set to be operational by the end of 2027, this initiative represents a significant investment in addressing homelessness in the city.
Louisville Breaks Ground on $58 Million Community Care Campus to Support Unhoused Residents
Louisville, Kentucky – Construction has commenced on the $58 million Community Care Campus in the Smoketown neighborhood, aiming to provide comprehensive support for unhoused individuals. The facility is projected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
Project Overview
The Community Care Campus is designed to offer a range of services, including:
- Transitional housing for young adults
- Permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness
- A medical and behavioral health clinic
- A medical respite facility
- Community gathering spaces
- An office for the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD)
Additionally, Volunteers of America (VOA) plans to relocate its Louisville headquarters to the campus, enhancing its capacity to serve the community. The project is being developed in partnership with VOA, which will also operate the campus upon its completion. The facility is situated on a 3.9-acre property in Smoketown, previously home to the former Vu Hotel and Guest House, which are being repurposed to accommodate the new services. The Vu Hotel will be converted into a family shelter with 29 units, featuring amenities such as a dining room, family room, and playgrounds. The Guest House will serve as a temporary shelter during the winter months, providing accommodation for 15 to 20 families. The entire campus is expected to include a total of 80 affordable housing units upon completion.
Funding and Support
The project is funded through a combination of state and local resources. The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $100 million for downtown Louisville capital projects under House Bill 1 earlier this year, with $22.5 million designated for the Community Care Campus. Louisville Metro Government is contributing an additional $19 million for construction costs. The campus is also supported by federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, estimated at $3 million, and a $2.25 million gift from the Humana Foundation. Despite these contributions, there remains an estimated funding gap of $21.65 million as of November 2024.
Community Impact
The Community Care Campus is part of Louisville’s broader initiative to address homelessness and provide essential services to vulnerable populations. The facility aims to be a one-stop hub for housing, education, child care, and mental health support, designed to help young women and families rebuild their lives. It features 41 housing units, a learning lab, on-site daycare, and mental health offices, serving young adults aged 18 to 28, especially those aging out of foster care or rebuilding after major challenges.
Background Context
Homelessness has been a growing concern in Louisville, with the Coalition for the Homeless reporting approximately 11,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the city in 2021. The Community Care Campus is a strategic response to this issue, aiming to provide comprehensive support and resources to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable housing and self-sufficiency. The project reflects a collaborative effort between local government, state legislators, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders to address the complex challenges associated with homelessness in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Community Care Campus in Louisville?
The Community Care Campus is a $58 million facility under construction in Louisville’s Smoketown neighborhood, designed to provide comprehensive support for unhoused individuals. It will offer transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, medical and behavioral health clinics, a medical respite facility, community gathering spaces, and an office for the Louisville Metro Police Department. The campus is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
How is the Community Care Campus funded?
The project is funded through a combination of state and local resources. The Kentucky General Assembly allocated $100 million for downtown Louisville capital projects under House Bill 1 earlier this year, with $22.5 million designated for the Community Care Campus. Louisville Metro Government is contributing an additional $19 million for construction costs. The campus is also supported by federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, estimated at $3 million, and a $2.25 million gift from the Humana Foundation. Despite these contributions, there remains an estimated funding gap of $21.65 million as of November 2024.
What services will the Community Care Campus provide?
The Community Care Campus is designed to offer a range of services, including transitional housing for young adults, permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, a medical and behavioral health clinic, a medical respite facility, community gathering spaces, and an office for the Louisville Metro Police Department. Additionally, Volunteers of America plans to relocate its Louisville headquarters to the campus, enhancing its capacity to serve the community.
What is the expected completion date for the Community Care Campus?
The Community Care Campus is projected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.
How many affordable housing units will the Community Care Campus include?
The entire campus is expected to include a total of 80 affordable housing units upon completion.
Key Features of the Community Care Campus
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transitional Housing for Young Adults | Temporary accommodation to assist young adults in transitioning to permanent housing. |
| Permanent Supportive Housing | Long-term housing solutions for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. |
| Medical and Behavioral Health Clinic | On-site healthcare services to address medical and mental health needs. |
| Medical Respite Facility | Temporary housing for individuals recovering from medical procedures or illnesses. |
| Community Gathering Spaces | Areas designed for social interaction and community events. |
| LMPD Office | On-site office for the Louisville Metro Police Department to enhance community safety. |
| Volunteers of America Headquarters | Relocation of VOA’s Louisville offices to the campus to improve service delivery. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Record-Breaking Fall Enrollment at KCTCS
UofL and UK Unite to Tackle Student Food Insecurity
Budget Cuts Threaten The Louisville Cardinal Amid Athletic Funding
Overcrowding Crisis Hits Louisville Schools
University of Louisville Raises $500,000 for Scholarships and Health Programs
Meredith-Dunn School Expansion Unveiled in Louisville
University of Louisville Suspends Student Group Amid Protests
University of Louisville Inaugurates New President
University of Louisville Kicks Off Pride Week Amid Legal Challenges
South Oldham High School Launches Major Renovation Project
