Did you know that In Collin County, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $650/month. When a security deposit (often first and last month’s rent), application fees ($25-50) and other deposits (utilities) are tabulated, housing quickly becomes out of reach for many hard-working people trying to exist on minimum wages or just slightly above. For those graduating the Samaritan Inn’s program, there is often no place to live within close proximity of full-time employment.
Because of an obvious lack of affordable housing within Collin County, the leaders at The Samaritan Inn, the county’s only homeless shelter, embarked on a new project to begin filling that specific gap. In December, 2005, Jane and Marc Sparks pur¬chased 1.3 acres of pro¬perty across from the McKinney-based Inn, and initi¬ated the steps to¬ward con¬struction of a 20-unit apartment complex. The Sparks family has committed $2 million to see the project to fruition – from dirt to final nail.
Upon completion in February, 2008, the property-struc¬ture will be donated to The Samaritan Inn, which will be responsible for its management. Named “Gate¬way” to symbolize the building as being the final “gateway” to indepen-dence for people formerly without homes (and often hope) who have worked diligently to obtain this level. It is the first such housing program of its kind in Collin County.
There will be 10 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units available, with 1 and 2 baths, spacious floor plans and other appointments. The location permits access to McKinney public transportation.
Gateway residents will pay rent (at a discounted subsidized rate), utility bills and be 100 percent responsible for such things as groceries, while supervised by the Inn staff in order to have this transition period go as smoothly as pos-sible. They will con¬tinue to participate in various Samaritan Inn support programs and counseling (job search, financial adjustment, budgeting).
Residents will go through an application process and be thoroughly screened prior to approval for inclusion. Most rules that currently exist for Inn residents will apply to Gateway (no drug, alcohol, criminal problems) except that inde¬pendence will mean a measure of trust (no curfew, no automatic locks).
Rent will be adjusted every 90-120 days depending on alterations in a resident’s income. Transition periods will be 6-24 months in length and reviews/leases will be examined every 6 months by licensed Inn caseworkers.
“Gateway is transitional housing – not meant to become a permanent address – but a stepping stone to the next level of true independence after a disastrous period in a person or family’s life,” said Lynne Sipiora, executive director of The Samaritan Inn. “People often cannot make the leap from cold recovery to facing the harsh financial demands of living on their own. Gateway is just another means for The Samaritan Inn to help them.”
Thanks to the generosity of one family, and the hard work of dedicated staff and volunteers, beginning in February, there will be a new “Gateway” toward a better life for many people who once believed such possibilities did not exist.
We are excited about this opportunity to help and wanted to ask our fellow neighbors to help as well. If you have items that are on the following list and would like to donate them to this project we will be collecting them the day of the garage sale and delivering to the Samaritan Inn.
Furnishings list
Kitchen:
Table and Chairs
Silverware set (set of 4 or more)
Plates
Cups
Bowls
Large pot
Small pot
Frying pan
Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Can opener
Wooden spoon
Cooking knife
Microwave
Toaster
Bathroom:
4 towels
4 wash cloths
1 hand towel
1 bath mat
1 shower curtain
Bedroom:
1 full/queen mattress w/frame (headboard optional)
1 set full/queen sheets
2 pillowcases
1 comforter
Furniture:
Couch
Occasional Chair
Lamps
Coffee table
Dresser
2 nightstands
Miscellaneous
20 hangers
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Cleaning supplies
Laundry detergent
Dish soap
Sponges
For 2 bedroom apartment, please add:
2 twin size mattresses w/ frames
2 sets twin size sheet set
2 twin size blankets
4 pillow cases
1 dresser
2 nightstands
Additional items (if able)
Lamp
Clock
Tv/with stand
Rugs
End tables
Chair
Desk
Phone
For more information please contact Kim or Laura or to adopt your own apartment contact Lynne Sipiora at 972-542-5302/info@thesamaritaninn.org
No comments:
Post a Comment