Community members and leaders gathered on December 9, 2024, to celebrate the completion of Prominence Commons 2, a 36-unit affordable housing development that promises to bring stability and opportunity to families across Northwest Indiana. CoAction, the nonprofit behind the project, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house to mark the milestone achievement.
“Prominence Commons II is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to address the critical need for affordable housing in our community,” said Jen Trowbridge, CoAction’s President and CEO. “These homes are more than just a place to live— they represent stability, opportunity, and hope for 36 families.”
Designed with energy efficiency and accessibility in mind, Prominence Commons II enhances the quality of life for its residents by providing modern living spaces close to essential resources. The development aligns with CoAction’s broader mission of building equitable communities across the region.
The celebration brought together funders, local officials, and new residents, who toured the facility and reflected on the collective effort required to make the project a reality. Bill Trowbridge, CEO of a regional health group, stressed the urgency of such developments for the local workforce.
“This type of housing is an absolute necessity,” he said. “Our workforce struggles to find good, affordable, quality places to live. Whether it’s our own employees or others in the community, there’s a clear demand that projects like this address.”
He noted that the demand for affordable housing remains high, with units at Prominence Commons II expected to be leased almost immediately.
Many community partners were also in attendance at Monday’s event to show their support, such as Centier Bank.
“Centier Bank is proud to be a part of this unique and special project,” said Tim Warner, Vice President of Commercial Banking at Centier Bank. “As a community bank based here in Northwest Indiana, we’ve partnered with CoAction on several projects, but this one stands out as truly exceptional. For both phases of Prominence Commons, we served as a sponsor through the Federal Home Loan Bank’s AHP grant program, which was instrumental in securing equity funding. Additionally, we provided construction financing to bridge the funding sources needed to bring this development to life.”
Warner emphasized the collaborative efforts of the project, highlighting the involvement of First Financial Bank during the second phase.
“We were fortunate to have First Financial join us as a partner for phase two, assisting with construction funding,” he said. “I’d like to recognize Eric Houser from First Financial Bank for his contributions to this effort. This project has been an incredible learning experience and a great source of pride for all of us at Centier. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Another attendee and proud supporter was the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA).
“IHCDA is truly honored to partner with CoAction on this incredible project,” said Nicole Chapman, Family Development Specialist and Director of Housing Choice Programs at IHCDA. “We deeply appreciate CoAction’s commitment to affordable housing through the tax credit capital funding program and the 811 Rental Assistance Contract, which will provide critical housing for individuals with disabilities experiencing housing instability. This is such an important initiative, and we are proud to support it.”
Chapman also expressed enthusiasm for the future.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with CoAction on upcoming projects. Congratulations on this beautiful development - I can’t wait to tour the units and see the impact this accomplishment will have on the community," she said.
Mike Recker, AHP portfolio manager, was in attendance and was excited to attend to show his enthusiasm for the project.
“The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis is proud to support impactful projects like Prominence Commons,” said Recker. “We provide liquidity to financial institutions in Indiana and Michigan, and 10% of our net earnings are invested back into these communities to develop affordable housing. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how those investments are making a difference.”
Recker reflected on the ongoing success of the project.
“Congratulations on completing another phase of Prominence Commons," he said. "I remember attending the green opening for the first phase two years ago, and it’s clear this development has had a meaningful impact on the community. We deeply value our partnership with CoAction and with our member, Centier Bank. You’ve been consistent, easy to work with, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Thank you for inviting us to celebrate this milestone.”
For Russell Hall, a resident at Prominence Commons II , the opportunity has been life-changing. Having struggled to find affordable housing while on disability, Hall shared how moving into the community has brought him peace of mind and a sense of belonging.
“It’s comforting to know I’ll never have to worry about losing my home— this is my home now,” Hall said. “Living here has been more peaceful than anywhere else I’ve ever been. I’ve seen more kindness here in two years than I have in 60 years.”
Hall, an avid volunteer, has found joy in giving back to his new community.
“I pick weeds, water the grass, and clean up around the building,” he said. “It’s a great way to meet other residents and connect with everyone. When I first started, I was the only volunteer, but now there are five of us. It’s like a chain reaction— people see others helping, and they join in.”
Affordable housing is more than a roof over someone’s head— it’s a foundation for building stronger communities. Trowbridge explained how housing projects like Prominence Commons II directly support CoAction’s mission.
“Our vision is for everyone in the region to flourish, regardless of income or ability,” Trowbridge said. “For that to happen, we need solutions for people with income constraints. Housing is often the biggest expense pushing families over the edge, and projects like this make life manageable. When housing is stable, residents become stronger contributors to the community.”
Trowbridge emphasized the importance of community diversity, pointing out that thriving communities rely on contributions from people across all financial levels.
“Residents at Prominence Commons should know they are an integral part of the larger community—they make our towns successful,” she said.
She also highlighted the broader systemic challenges that affordable housing initiatives face.
“We are a nation focused on mental health, and many of the people we serve rely on Medicaid and similar services. But the housing need is undeniable. In communities everywhere, we’re seeing a lot of new housing that’s simply unaffordable, and the zoning regulations don’t make it easier. This is where policy matters.”
Trowbridge urged community members to engage with policymakers, emphasizing the direct impact of legislative decisions on housing affordability.
“We vote people into these seats, and their decisions directly impact communities,” she said. “Legislators often have personal connections to these issues, and when they see the gaps in what can and cannot be provided, it can shift their perspective. We need them to make decisions differently.”
While the completion of Prominence Commons II marks a significant achievement, Trowbridge and her team recognize the ongoing need for affordable housing in the region.
For Hall, the new chapter at Prominence Commons II represents not just a fresh start but also a chance to thrive. His advice to others struggling with housing insecurity is to simply apply because, to him, it’s worth the wait. Hall said this opportunity has truly changed his life.
Following the ribbon-cutting, guests toured the newly completed units, gaining insight into the thoughtfully designed spaces that will soon provide stable and affordable housing to 36 families. The event served as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the continued need for equitable housing solutions across the region.
To learn more about CoAction, visit coaction.care.