Jackson Commons celebrates 10 years as shelter for homeless vets
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Ten years ago, Kokomo decided that homelessness isn’t something a person who served their country should have to endure. Jackson Street Commons, a shelter for the community’s homeless military veterans, opened its doors in 2014, and over the next decade the problem was nearly eliminated.
The Family Service Association (FSA), which administrates the homeless shelter, welcomed the community to Jackson Street last month to celebrate 10 years of service and a record of success. Nearly 100 people turned out to join in the festivities, which included a commemorative anniversary ribbon cutting by the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce.
“It takes all of us, every single one of us, to do this,” said FSA Executive Director Tracy Martino. “The commitment and dedication to this is instrumental in our community. We are enormously grateful for all the local government, military organizations, individuals. Through your kindness and compassion, as well as the dedication of staff and volunteers, we have been able to provide a safe place to welcome homeless veterans.”
Martino took a moment to recognize a couple of people instrumental in the shelter’s success. She expressed thanks to Kevin Jewell for putting on an annual fundraiser for Jackson Street Commons. And she gave an award to Phil Petty, on behalf of the Family Service Association, in recognition of his work for the organization as a board member and activist.
Angie Ciski, FSA’s Director of Community Services, has been involved with the development and operation of Jackson Street Commons almost from the beginning. She was there when the first applications for residence were received. She was there when the facility opened its doors in May 2014.
“It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years,” said Ciski. “I am grateful to be a part of a program that's been so impactful for homeless veterans in our community. I've learned so much over the years about veteran culture, and I’ve really come to embrace the value of permanent supportive housing and housing first.”
“Housing first” is a concept embraced by Jackson Street Commons that eliminates as many barriers as possible for the homeless. The facility accepts residents “where they’re at,” Ciski explained, placing needed services around them to help with addictions, mental health issues, medical needs, and education rather than allowing any of those challenges to disqualify a person in need.
The results confirm the effectiveness of the approach. Over the past 10 years, Jackson Street Commons has housed 88 veterans and assisted 179 more in finding housing and avoiding homelessness.
“We're not only an apartment building; we're a resource center for veterans,” said Ciski.
Judy Dennis was executive director of FSA when Jackson Street Commons became a reality. She recalls going through training to assist the homeless at the same time that her husband – a Vietnam veteran – was struggling with cancer.
“While we were in the training, I made the decision that if we had the opportunity to serve veterans, we were going to do it,” said Dennis. “And the pieces of the puzzle came about.
“Our mission from the very beginning was to help families and individuals. Everybody realized it is a great thing to serve the homeless. The community came together.”
Dennis explained that FSA agreed to take up the challenge, but the organization could not take on debt. Fortunately, through aggressive fundraising and a large boost from city, county, and township government, Jackson Street Commons was constructed without leaving bills to pay.
That desire to remain debt-free continues today. Both Dennis and Martino stressed the importance of donating to Jackson Street Commons to ensure its continued success.
“With longevity comes wear and tear to the building, and we still need your support,” said Martino.
To donate to Jackson Street Commons or for more information about the facility and the FSA, visit www.fsahc.org.