Construction is proceeding on schedule on Franklin Station, a three-story, 100-unit apartment complex in Franklinton designed to house the chronically homeless. The building, at 524 West Broad Street, is on track to be finished by November of this year, with the first residents moving in on December 1st.
The $10.4 million project was designed by Berardi and Partners to LEED standards, although the developer, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, is not seeking official LEED certification.
CMHA is partnering with YMCA of Central Ohio to provide services for residents of Franklin Station.
Amanda Owen, Director of Supportive Services for YMCA, explained that 75 of the units will be designated as Rebuilding Lives units – apartments available to individuals as the initial step in their recovery from chronic homelessness. This “housing first” model is an alternative to the traditional strategy of moving individuals through shelters or temporary housing before eventually transitioning them to independent living.
Owen said that YMCA staff will provide supportive services for residents such as needs assessments, help with applying for benefits and job-searching, as well as other more in-depth assistance.
“The support staff is trained in utilizing motivational interviewing as a technique to help residents problem-solve ways to accomplish a task (and) providing linkage and referral to various community and partner agencies. The Y staff (also) will develop and provide programs such as a women’s group, game nights, resident cookouts, and Residents Advisory Council to help the population form a community and access various resources.”
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Photo by Walker Evans.