by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Officials at the I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless are discussing the possibility of building transitional housing for those who have recently left the center.
“We are exploring a slate of housing within a block of the center for those who are really fragile,” said Linda Lanier, executive director of the center.
Close proximity to the shelter allows for independence, while at the same time providing easy access to basics such as medical care, support groups or prescription drugs.
The transitional housing will segregate those just entering the program from those well on their way to recovery. Separating those at various stages of recovery serves a two-fold purpose: to better assist those just starting down the path and to keep the ones who have turned their lives around away from temptation.
“Now they are mixing the female population, which makes treatment difficult,” said Virgil Green, chief of the City’s Mental Health and Welfare Division. “We would like to separate the new admissions so they can receive more intense treatment. It’s a much better intake program. The thing causing a relapse is not drugs or alcohol — it’s loneliness. If you’re in recovery, you need the companionship of others.”
Both Lanier and Green agree that the availability of affordable housing for those in recovery is inadequate at best, especially for single people.
“They introduced the concept of an open shelter,” said Green. “We found an element that basically was freeloading. They were not interested in being sober or getting a job. If they’re going to stay, they need to get involved with a case manager and improve their lives.”
Multi-family housing units of eight or so for “graduates” are what Lanier initially anticipates. Rather than remodel existing buildings, she hopes to construct the transitional housing to adapt to the needs of her recently departed guests. At this point, she is discussing the plan with housing experts.
“It’s not my background to do housing,” she said. “We must learn what is the right size. What is the critical mass where it is worth having a staff but not so big that they feel like they’re in an institution? We need to learn how to fund it long term. We are looking at different funding sources and the board has put its support behind it. They recognize there definitely is a need.”
Step one is securing financing. Once it is certain the idea is economically feasible, they will begin acquiring properties.
One possibility is purchasing surrounding homes that have been refurbished by attorneys who may vacate the properties when the Duval County Courthouse moves to its new location near the new U.S. Courthouse.
“I assume they want to be near the courthouse but that may not be true, it’s just a rumor,” said Green.
The concept of therapeutic housing was presented to Paul Krutko, former senior director of the Downtown Development Authority, who expressed interest in the idea. Conversations have also taken place with the Duval County Housing and Finance Authority.
According to Green, Lanier’s best bet is to establish a 501(c)(3) as a stand-alone entity through which funding can be siphoned.
Sulzbacher staff are not just exploring immediate needs, but also supportive housing that would benefit the whole neighborhood.
Citing an example from New York City, Lanier said a historic hotel in Times Square was acquired by a collaborative who preceded to facilitate historic preservation. Half of the space was designated for those with special needs; they are provided with case management and house care. The other half of the complex includes artists, actors, singers and other performers seeking affordable housing close to the entertainment district.
“Who knows what our mix can be,” she said.
Construction on the facility, if it happens at all, won’t be for quite some time, though.
“With any project like this, it’s five to 10 years in the making.”