HOLYOKE – Way Finders officially broke ground on the Library Commons affordable housing units in Holyoke on Oct. 24.

The groundbreaking for the units was conducted in the community room of the Holyoke Public Library, and featured a number of speakers including state Rep. Aaron Vega, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, President and CEO of Way Finders Peter Gagliardi, Undersecretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development Janelle Chan, a representative from Congressman Richard Neal’s office, community advocates, and others.

Once construction is completed, the units will be housed in two refurbished historic buildings and one newly constructed building located on 192-203 Chestnut St., 117 Essex St, and 210 Elm St. When finished, the buildings will be made up of 38 affordable, multi-family apartments and will offer off-street parking and on-site laundry.

One building will also include a partnership with Way Finders and The Care Center to establish Roque House. The house will be the first of anything like it in the state and provide 10 families with young parents the opportunity to further their education through training, school, or other opportunities while raising their family. Roque House will host a classroom, lounge space, kitchen, art room, and a performance room.