(La Porte, IN) - There are plans to convert an old Coca Cola bottling plant in LaPorte into low income housing for the homeless, with services designed to keep them off the streets.
Housing Opportunities, a Valparaiso-based non-profit organization, is behind the $7.5 million proposal that would be paid for almost entirely with a state grant.
The organization, with help from outside sources of funding, has also developed similar housing for people with extremely low incomes in other communities like Michigan City, Valparaiso and Portage, per Housing Opportunities Executive Chief Executive Officer Jim Stanfill.
Stanfill said there would be 16 one and two-bedroom units with monthly rent covering utilities and Wi-Fi, based on 30 percent of an individual’s gross income.
The rent would be subsidized with separate, ongoing grants from the state.
To qualify, he said applicants must first be “exiting the homeless system.”
They must also have a diagnosed physical or chronic health-related disability, or issues with mental health and substance abuse.
Stanfill said a small clinic addressing behavioral issues and other matters would be provided in-house by HealthLinc for residents and the general public.
Help in areas like job placement and training would also be offered to residents depending on the individual needs of the tenants.
Other amenities would include an exercise room and space for activities like cooking demonstrations. On average, Stanfill said residents at other similar units run by the organization stay for about five-years.
“It’s not transient. It’s not short term. It’s not a shelter,” he said.
Stanfill said former residents, because of the affordability of the homes and easy access to services “almost always,” transitioned to other homes they rent or own, if not moved in with family members.
“It’s an extreme rare case when we have someone exit negatively in this type of housing,” he said.
Stanfill said replacing the roof of the brick structure at 205 Rumely Street is included in the renovation plans, now designed to give the exterior more of a residential look in what is essentially a single family home neighborhood.
The city obtained the structure last year as part of a land swap with the La Porte Community School Corporation. As part of the deal, the school district was given land for constructing a new bus garage. Until recently, the school district used the former bottling plant to house its child nutrition, technology and maintenance departments.
Mayor Tom Dermody said ownership of the building will be transferred to the organization at no cost if the proposal is given final approval Monday by the LaPorte City Council.
The impact such a facility might have on safety in the neighborhood and property values were among the concerns expressed by number of nearby residents at the previous city council meeting on August 7th.
“What-ifs with no guarantees is a big risk and a very sad one. A very scary one also,” said Aurelio Melgoza, who lives across the street.
Tammy Lawrence said she likes the idea for such a housing facility but feels it should go elsewhere. Lawrence said she’s especially worried about the safety of children and senior citizens.
“I don’t want to see the dynamics of the neighborhood change. We’re single families. It basically comes down to fear of the unknown,” she said.
Dermody said the benefits would include helping people in need, as well as breathing new life into a building that could become an eyesore, if not a magnet for potential drug activity or squatting if left abandoned over time in a neighborhood already having problems with crime.
He also said background checks would be part of the selection process to minimize any risk tenants might pose.
“I know what the belief is without facts. Code enforcement and the police will do whatever the neighbors need to make sure they feel comfortable,” he said.
