St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue and Imagine Housing broke ground behind the church on Dec. 12 on a new apartment building that will provide 63 apartments for low-income families and individuals, many of some of whom are homeless or have disabilities.

The groundbreaking ceremony follows a three-year effort by St. Luke’s and Imagine Housing working together with the city of Bellevue. Construction is projected to be complete in the first part of 2019, and 63 apartments will then be available for families.

“Our church is dedicated to serving those in our community that need extra help, no matter the reasons,” said Pastor Mark Griffith, the leader of St. Luke’s. “We are very excited that Imagine Housing worked with us to use our land to further our mutual missions.”

St. Luke’s, located on Bellevue Way near the Northtowne neighborhood, is known for its commitment to the community. St. Luke’s is currently also the home for Sophia’s Place Way, a homeless shelter and day center that serves up to 75 homeless women each day. Imagine Housing has a 30-year history of working with churches to provide housing for low-income people on the Eastside and currently has 14 apartment buildings that are home to more than 1,400 people including almost 500 children under age 18.