AKRON, Ohio — As Lasalle Harrism drives through her old neighborhood, she pointed out memories from her time living there. Now, she's working to give back to the neighborhood as the founder of JoAnna House II, a housing program that helps women in crisis.

 “I used to live there from the age of 15 to 47, off and on,” Harris said. “That was my mother’s house.”

 Harris said the neighborhood was her safe haven when she was homeless and struggling from a 23-year drug addiction. 

“When I found out that I couldn't get sober by hanging around my family and the other people, places and things through my recovery process, I was able to go to treatment and then to a sober living house,” Harris said.

Harris is now expanding her outreach efforts by helping others who are experiencing homelessness. She recently helped break ground on a new permanent supportive housing facility, called the Naomi Project.

“It's eight, one-bedroom apartments,” Harris said at the construction site.

The project is supported by Community Support Services and other agencies, ultimately to help those who need to get back on their feet. 

“And to have sustainability,” Harris said.

Harris feels the ground breaking is a full circle moment for her. Crews are building the apartments on Allyn Street, just a few feet away from where Harris used to live, in her old neighborhood.

“I was in this community empty,” Harris said. “I went out and came back full to help restore the community.”

Similar to her own recovery to restoration journey, Harris hopes those who will live at the facility will also be inspired to pay it forward and give back to the community.

“You know, being a servant to other people so that they can, you know, build their foundation,” Harris said.

Harris added that the project is slated for completion in the winter of 2023.