LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Four Maupin Elementary families now have keys to new homes. They also have access to services to help them as they work through issues like addiction, homelessness and unemployment. 

Allyson Vitato, Maupin Elementary’s principal, said, “Part of ensuring that all of our students at Maupin are prepared for success at the next level means attempting to ensure that we break down any barriers that might prevent them from learning to their full ability,”

New Directions Housing provides the units and they are working in partnership with Option to Success, Parkland Community Foundation, and House to Home. Private donors are also supporting the families. 

“Placing them [and] giving them the structure that they need, just giving them all the tools they need to be successful, that’s vital… and giving them a chance,” said Metro councilwoman Tammy Hawkins, who represents District 1, said. 

The Maupin Transitional Housing Program offers places to live near the school in Louisville’s Parkland neighborhood. 

“It’s our job at the school to overcome them so all of our students can be prepared to learn and open to learn so that so they’re not worrying about their next meal or where they’re going to sleep that night,” Vitato says.  

The program aims to help families achieve home ownership through access to mental health services, case management, job placement and financial skills. 

Vitato says the program also helps to provide long-term, generational change for families. 

“It is such a huge weight to be lifted off the parents’ shoulders that you know you’re going to have consistency for your child and that you know you’re not going to have to talk to a bunch of people to see what’s available,” she said.

The units come furnished and provide a space for students and their parents to learn and grow. 

The group of nonprofits along with the mayor’s office hopes to add 15,000 units for Louisville families in the future.