Kokomo city leaders are taking the next step to help develop a housing facility for homeless families, despite opposition from nearby residents.

Mayor Greg Goodnight says the proposed three-story complex on the city’s northeast side would be an asset to the community.

“In a perfect world you’d look at these different housing projects and not be able to really differentiate which ones which, and that’s what we’re trying to do here,” Goodnight says.

The $7.5 million 35-unit project would be the first of its kind in the city. Kokomo homeless shelters are separate for men and women with children.

Goodnight says the project is not a done deal. Common Council members voted unanimously this week to allow Advantix Development Corporation to apply for state grant money.

They’ll find out in a few months to see if they’re awarded the project.