New Directions Housing Corp Begin A Second 50 Years

It is an idea that began in 1969, when Father Ben O’Connor challenged his parish at Saint William Church, a Roman Catholic congregation located at 13th and Oak Street, to find a new direction to help the neighborhood.

The idea grew into a successful nonprofit with the goal of helping people find an affordable place to live.

Today, New Directions Housing Corporation officially cut the ribbon on a new headquarters in the California neighborhood to continue serving those in need of housing in Metro Louisville.

“Finding affordable housing for everyone is a top priority for the Louisville Metro Council,” said Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3) who was on hand for the ceremony. “New Directions is a dedicated partner in finding that affordable first home or helping people stay in their current homes. It is a great day for everyone.”

New Directions supports neighborhoods, families and individuals. New Directions Housing Corporation serves Jefferson County, Kentucky, and Floyd and Clark counties in Southern Indiana.  Its nonprofit community development strategies provide much-needed housing development, and today over 1,000 families live in the nonprofit’s rental housing.

“The Louisville Metro Council has long advocated the need for affordable housing. In 2008, we created the Affordable Housing Trust Fund as a way to ensure that local government partners with nonprofits and the private sector to find affordable housing programs for those who need it,” said President David James (D-6) , who was also on hand for the ribbon cutting.

Over the month of October, New Directions will be moving its operations to 1617 Maple Street in the California Neighborhood. The Headquarters is generally in the same area as the new YMCA which will soon open at 18th and Broadway.

To learn more about the history of New Directions and the programs that it offers to the community go to the group’s website at https://www.ndhc.org/