KOKOMO, Ind — Derico Young wouldn't be renovating a house in Kokomo if his daughter, Derisha, wasn't fatally shot back in 2021. When she died, he needed a place to grieve, but he soon realized there are many people like him who need a place as well.
"I think she would be very excited that I am opening today," Young said. 'The need for Ree-Ree's Place is there."
Ree-Ree's Place is a nonprofit for people who have lost a loved one to gun violence. The house will start as a place for men but expand for more once it is complete.
Even though Young had been working on this project for months, he had to open the doors as soon as he could. Young said the house represents the people he is helping because life goes on every day, and they never feel complete again.
"The thing with this house is once we get the groups going, the groups will build this house," Young said.
Young is creating spaces both in the house and online for people to share their experiences. He encourages people to step inside now and be a part of the community he is trying to build.
"It's a mess, but we have made room for people to sit," Young said.
As the space continues to grow, Derisha is not the only person on Young's mind. Her half-sister, Keliah Dean, was killed a few weeks ago. He is creating a women's support group in honor of them.
"I think they both would be proud and happy that I am opening today," Young said.
But the work is not just for them — it's for every person coming in and everyone they have lost.
For more information on Ree-Ree's Place, you can visit their website and social media pages.