On August 2, 2021, UPholdings and HealthLinc held the grand opening for Harbor Square, an affordable housing development with a mix of 28 one- and two-bedroom units. The development is located at 2301 Broadway Street. The event celebrated the construction completion of a project five years in the making and highlighted the importance of affordable rental housing with a social services lens in East Chicago.
Honoring the ceremony with their thoughts on the importance of affordable housing in our communities were guest speakers East Chicago Mayor Anthony Copeland, a representative from Congressman Frank Mrvan’s office, Executive Director of Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority Jacob Sipe, Senior Vice President of People’s Bank Dan Moser, and a representative from Congressman Mike Braun's office. Introductory remarks about the project’s history and future were provided by the Co-owner and Principal of UPholdings Jessica Hoff Berzac and Chief Executive Officer of HealthLinc Beth Wrobel. The speaking program was followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting, representing the culmination of years of effort to build these homes. Over 80 guests toured the brand new apartments and the HealthLinc Health Center.
“UPholdings is committed to a holistic partner rich approach to comprehensively address the need for quality housing,” noted Jesicca Hoff Berzac. “Our tenant engagement uses a resident-centered approach to meet people where they are, and with local community social service agencies, we create pathways for progress with various providers to support the individual's growth.” Most directly, residents will benefit from a Federally Qualified Health Clinic on-site managed by HealthLinc which will provide medical services, including primary health care and medically assisted treatment for addiction along with behavioral health and optometry services, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. In conjunction with local partners, HealthLinc will also assist in the coordination of services with other non-profits in resident empowerment initiatives for employment, education, and resident engagement. “HealthLinc is thrilled to be a part of this unique project and expanding our reach in East Chicago,” states Beth Wrobel, CEO. “Access to quality health care and creating healthy communities is what we are about, and we look forward to being a part of this neighborhood.”
