Hanna Commons marked a major milestone last month, celebrating two years of providing permanent supportive housing and wraparound care to residents in South Indianapolis. More than 60 community members, partners, and supporters gathered for an outdoor ceremony that highlighted the property’s measurable impact since opening in 2023. Leaders from across the city, including Mayor Joe Hogsett, joined project partners and residents to reflect on how safe, stable housing continues to transform lives at Hanna Commons. 

The celebration also featured the unveiling of two major beautification projects: a large-scale, resident-informed mural and a newly completed pocket park. Event speakers emphasized both the success of the housing model and the positive outcomes achieved through strong provider partnerships. A recap of the impact data in Hanna Commons' first two years is shared below. 

"Two years after the official opening of this affordable housing development, Hanna Commons is still a shining example of how having a safe, affordable place to call home can truly transform the lives of our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “And now, as we unveil a new pocket park and public artwork at Hanna Commons, the City is proud to bring even more vibrancy to this Southside community."

At UPholdings, stable housing is achieved through both strong operations and meaningful human connection. Few partnerships embody this better than Regional Property Manager Amanda Zilanis and Community Partnerships Manager Matt Miller. Although their responsibilities are different, their shared mission is clear: support residents in finding and keeping a safe, stable home. 

Amanda oversees seven communities across the Midwest and manages everything from daily operations and compliance to resident satisfaction and retention strategies. She began her career in luxury housing but soon realized her true passion was in affordable and supportive housing. “This work is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Every person comes with a different story, and every situation requires its own approach. I love helping someone move from instability to a place where they can grow.”  

Matt’s background is in behavioral health, where he worked with individuals experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness. As a Community Partnerships Manager, he focuses on tenant engagement, service coordination, and bridging communication between residents, service providers, and property managers. A moment that stays with him is when he helped locate a resident who disappeared shortly after moving in. The man had been homeless for so long that he believed his new apartment was just temporary shelter. “Instead of giving away his unit to a new tenant, we worked with our partners to find him on the street and explain that his unit at Hanna Commons was permanent and he could stay as long as he needed. When I saw him back at the property, I greeted him, and he couldn’t believe someone actually remembered his name,” Matt recalled. “Once he understood the unit was truly his home, everything changed.”  

The strength of Amanda and Matt’s partnership is in how they blend their expertise. When challenges arise at their shared properties (Hanna Commons, Walnut Commons, or Westhaven), they work together to identify the problem and create a path forward. Amanda brings structure, knowledge of policy, and the operational lens. Matt brings a deep understanding of services and tenant needs. “We try to look at the whole picture,” Amanda explained. “Our goal is always to help someone stay housed, and we explore every option before evicting a tenant.” Matt added, “I often use our lease agreements as a learning opportunity. We want our tenants to succeed, but that takes clear expectations, consistency, and support.”  

Their collaborative approach is a reminder that permanent supportive housing is not just about providing a unit. It is about taking the time to listen, understand each person’s needs, and create thoughtful, sometimes unexpected solutions. Whether it is tracking down a missing resident, helping someone access services, or finding simple fixes that ease conflicts, Amanda and Matt show what is possible when compassion and accountability work hand in hand.

On October 2, Shiel Sexton Construction Company, UPholdings, and Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) came together for Beyond the Build, a community service day where over 150 volunteers enhanced the Hanna Commons property and neighborhood.  

As part of the day’s activities, volunteers completed the installation of a pocket park, built a greenhouse, and planted trees both on the property and in the surrounding area. Landscaping efforts included 64 trees in the pocket park, 70 additional neighborhood trees, 1,200 native perennials, 20 native shrubs, 30 tons of gravel for pathways, 30 cubic yards of mulch, as well as a pergola and stone seating. Interior projects included painting, cleaning, and organizing to ensure the building and communal spaces were fully ready for residents and visitors.  

The idea for the beautified outdoor space started in April 2024 when Matt Miller, Community Partnerships Manager at UPholdings, applied for an AES Indiana Project Greenspace grant. Alongside tenants, they formed a Hanna Greenspace committee who met with KIB and designers monthly. The "Beyond the Build" annual day of service, hosted by Shiel Sexton, brought employees and volunteers together to improve the space for residents, neighbors, and the greater community. We are grateful for all the hard workers and partnerships that made this day possible!