MHA has raised $11.3 million to redevelop the Salvation Army property on the corner of Main and Elmwood Streets into a comprehensive housing and service center for chronically homeless adults.
· The contract with the Salvation Army is finalized, the short term financing for construction is secured and MHA is prepared to close on the property by late October. The current timeline calls for MHA to begin demolition and construction in early 2010 and to complete redevelopment and begin providing services in 2011.
· The legal obstacles facing MHA have been resolved. The Circuit Court of Appeals decision affirmed the Board of Zoning Appeals decision, stating that MHA’s plans are consistent with the intent of the property’s zoning variance. Also, DHEC designated the property as a “Brownfield Site,” resolving the environmental issues related to off-site sources of ground contamination.
· MHA has also completed an audit for 2008, hosted a team of regional experts to provide technical assistance in the planning and design of the facility, hired LCK Construction Services as the construction management firm, hired Bob Hill as the interim Executive Director and currently have donated office space in the Bank of America Tower on Main and Calhoun Streets, directly across from the Salvation Army property.
· MHA has also employed a security firm to do a risk and vulnerability assessment of the center. The firm has begun preliminary work, and will continue to work with MHA during the design and construction process.
· Within the next week, LCK will have chosen an architecture firm and a construction firm for the board’s approve.
· MHA is in the process of developing operating guidelines and more fully defining center programs in preparation for securing an architect to finalize the design. The current program and on-site housing plans include:
· 48 low demand beds for people who are on the street and need a safe place to sleep but may not yet be ready for the structured programs of the Transition Center.
· 158 program beds comprised of the following:
· 24 respite beds to provide a short-term recuperative place for individuals who are homeless and ready for hospital discharge, but not yet able to fully participate in a structured homeless recovery program.
· 70 emergency housing program beds to provide case management services and short term housing (45-60 days) to homeless men and women who are motivated and ready to participate in a structured program of recovery, including increasing their income and securing permanent housing.
· 64 transitional housing beds to provide a three month to two year opportunity to fully address individual obstacles in order to achieve self sufficiency. Residents of the transitional housing program will work to improve skills and knowledge and change behaviors so they can attain and maintain appropriate permanent housing.
· A day center to provide a safe and appropriate daytime alternative to the streets for those in need and to engage chronically homeless people in services and recruit them into on-site housing programs so they can begin the process of recover.
· The center will ensure that a comprehensive array of services are offered to clients, including: mental health screening and treatment, addictions screening and treatment, entitlement benefits including applications, employment training, life-skills, legal assistance and full array of basic needs, including: clothing, mail, voice mail, showers, laundry, etc.