ARP-LAT Accelerator Post Issue 18

Portland Library

After several years of construction, the Portland Library reopened to patrons on December 2, 2025. Joined by Mayor Craig Greenberg, newly appointed Louisville Free Public Library director, Heather Lowe welcomed community members to the expanded and modernized library.

Thanks in part to American Rescue Plan funds, the library received a much needed addition to offer the community more opportunities like extra desktop computers, the ability to check out laptops, and increase the book collection. The construction also made the library more accessible for its patrons.

Mayor Greenberg said, "Every neighborhood in Louisville deserves access to a great library, so I’ve made it a priority to build, rebuild, and renovate libraries across our community. This new library embodies the rich history and strong sense of community in the Portland neighborhood and gives people a safe space to gather, learn, and access resources that improve their lives.”

Parkland Library

Earlier this year, the Parkland Library reopened in February, after being closed for almost 40 years. It brought back a needed community space as well as provided the neighborhood with more options for education and career building.

Main Library

This year, the Main Library continued with construction to increase the library's usable space, add to its creative spaces, offer more office space for employees, and add to its lending library. The library temporarily closed to the public on December 1, to allow construction to continue safely and at an accelerated rate. This closing will remain until renovations are complete.

Fern Creek Library

2025 marked continued work on the new Fern Creek Library, located near Fern Creek High School. After months of foundational work, the structure began going up in the fall. The library is expected to open at the end of 2026.

Coordinated Crisis Response to Gun Violence

Kicking off in 2025, the Peer Navigator program, run by Maryhurst and overseen by the Office of Violence Prevention, aims to pair peer navigators, previous gun violence victims, with victims of current gun violence. These connections have proved life-changing for the victims and have given them an opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences. This allows for a more personalized and free-spoken approach to healing that may not be possible with clinicians. 

Two of these victims, Nichole McGruder, 43, and Chloe Denning, 19, experienced gun violence in 2023 and 2024. Despite their age and location differences, the two women have become close while learning about each others' experiences and how to move forward from them. Although they originally bonded over their shared experiences, they have become close and are now active in each other's daily lives. 

Here's a link to the original in The Courier-Journal Story by Keely Doll.

Suicide Prevention

Earlier this year, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) released its comprehensive Suicide Fatality Report for Louisville/Jefferson County as part of the Suicide Prevention Project. It highlights critical trends and risk factors in suicide deaths from 2019 through 2023 and reiterates the need for collaborative, community-wide action to prevent suicide and support those affected.

You can learn more about the Suicide Fatality Review Report here.

Please access the resources below if you, or someone you know is thinking about suicide.
Kentucky's 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline-Call or text 988.
Seven Counties Crisis Lines-Local support for mental health emergencies.
LMG Office of Violence Prevention-Free firearm locks.
Community Mental Health Services-LMPHW
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-Kentucky chapter 

HPI Gateway

Originally built in 1921 as a candy factory and later serving as a tobacco warehouse and office, the $52 million project has turned this 50 year vacant building into a multi-use space.

After HPI purchased the building in 2018, several funding sources, including the American Rescue Plan, were used to break ground on the project in the summer of 2023 and was completed in November of 2025. 

Providing housing for seniors ages 55+, the 116 loft-style apartments are designed to offer residents affordable and accessible units while aging in place and are fully leased. 66 of the apartments are at or below 50% AMI while 50 of the apartments are at or below 30% AMI.

As a mixed-use space, Gateway Community Resource Center and HPI's offices are in the building along with a coffee shop, barber/hair salon, and bank. Outside medical providers will be offering services to the residents. 

Eclipse

Opened earlier this year, The Eclipse in Russell offers affordable, income-restricted apartments in West Louisville. Offering residents amenities like a food pantry, business and fitness centers, picnic areas, playground, and on-site resident services coordinators. The Eclipse aims to provide wraparound services for its residents while creating a safe, inclusive community within the city.

For more information, please reach out to Property Manager, Sabrina Gorman at (502) 715-0701 sabrina.gorman@winterwoodinc.com.

Sheehan Landing

Opened in the spring, Sheehan Landing, made history as being Kentucky's first single-site supportive housing for homeless.

It provides 80 furnished apartments that are designed to accommodate those with complex mental and physical disabilities. This also includes those struggling with substance abuse and groups who have difficulties renting from private landlords due to issues in their backgrounds.

There is full-time staffing and security while also connecting residents with medical, behavioral, food, legal, and financial supports. Along with housing and an array of services, Sheehan provides residents with hope and second chances. Find out more here.