The aroma of tacos floats through the kitchen, drawing residents to the dining room at Lincoln Place, where they see tables set for dinner with candles and all.

Volunteer Karen Akslen greets them, inviting them to join in the twice-monthly family-style meal she prepares.

"They always know it's good food when Karen's coming," said Heather Hemann, a 19-year-old resident.

They also know that there will be easy conversation.

"She's very kind-spirited," Hemann said. "Almost like a grandma you've never had."

Akslen, of Eagan, is one of the most committed volunteers at Lincoln Place, a Dakota County Community Development Agency apartment building that opened in April 2010 to give young adults in danger of homelessness somewhere to go.

It's the first of its kind in Dakota County, with 24 studio apartments that are reserved for young adults ages 18 to 24. Some of them are too old for foster care. Others have been couch-hopping at friends' homes or living in shelters.

At Lincoln Place, they pay rent on a sliding scale based on income and their work with case managers to learn how to get jobs and live independently.

"Lincoln Place has been just huge for us," said Dennis Price, the county's supervisor of housing and resource development. "Prior to having a place like Lincoln Place that was both housing and support, kids who needed that had to go outside Dakota County for it. There were only a couple places to go to, and we could never get in there because they were full all the time."

The Link, the nonprofit that teamed with Dakota County to provide the on-site services, fielded 85 inquiries in the first three weeks after Lincoln Place opened.

"We were able to fill up very, very fast," said Peter Rosenblatt, executive director of the Link. "The need was very overwhelming."

A Dakota County survey counted 55 young adults ages 18 to 24 who were homeless or couch-hopping on one night in January. Many others are on the verge of being too old for foster care.

"I just could not wrap my arms around that," Akslen said, her voice wavering as her eyes filled with tears. "I could not imagine an 18 year old homeless. It's bad enough for adults to be homeless."

Her church, Berean Baptist in Burnsville, had been helping graduating foster kids get on their feet, donating laundry baskets filled with household supplies.

But when she found out about Lincoln Place, she knew there was something more she could do.

And so, the twice monthly dinners began with a pan of lasagna -- chosen in part because she figured its tempting smell would draw residents to the kitchen.

"I had no expectations," she said. "I just knew I hoped it would be an enjoyable time together."

The residents not only showed up but started looking forward to her visits. They offered suggestions on what to make and pitched in to help with preparations. Their culinary adventures have included chili, fajitas and French dip.

Lincoln Place resident Loren Lange, who works doing dishes and kitchen prep at a local restaurant, is one of the regular helpers.

"It's a blessing," said Lange, 20 and previously homeless. "We can get together and be almost like a family."

On taco night, the conversation ranged from the devastating earthquake in Japan to the residents' career aspirations and what to make for dinner next time.

Akslen cooks for 24 people, no matter how many actually show up, and encourages the residents to bring containers to take leftovers back to their apartments. She also sets out a basket of fruit so they can have a snack later.

Other members of her church, especially the His Kids ministry, donate time and money to help her buy groceries or make desserts and other dishes in advance. Once a month, the church food drive is dedicated to collections for the residents of Lincoln Place.

"It's been a beautiful response," she said. "It resonates with people's hearts."

Katie Humphrey • 952-882-9056