BREAKING GROUND
APRIL 3 2020
ColumbiaCare turned the first shovel-full of dirt today on an empty lot at the corner of Stewart and Columbus in Medford, which will eventually be the site of 16 new units of Veterans Supportive Housing. Although the groundbreaking event was small and “distanced” as a safety precaution due to COVID-19, it was still a special moment representing forward motion on a local project that will house Veterans in need from our own community.
Jennifer Sewitsky, ColumbiaCare’s Communications Director stated “Although we couldn’t invite the community and our partners to gather like we typically would, we still wanted to mark the occasion, and also send a message of thanks to all who helped make this project possible.”
Stewart Apartments will be a brand new, 16-unit, affordable, permanent, Supportive Housing complex for local Veteran citizens who committed themselves to serve and protect our country, and who now find themselves underhoused, at risk of homelessness, or currently experiencing homelessness.
The development of the project is partially funded through grants from the City of Medford and Oregon Housing & Community Services, with the remaining costs covered by financing through Washington Federal Bank.
“We want to thank our partners and funders for their commitment to Veterans. It is heartening to see our community and state make Veterans a priority in their decision-making and investment of resources. The impact this housing will have on those who will call it home is immeasurable.” said Stacy Ferrell, the Executive Director of ColumbiaCare.
ColumbiaCare shares that housing is one of the most basic yet critical components to providing the opportunity for an individual to experience personal safety, self-sufficiency, and improved health. Now more than ever, during a time of pandemic concerns, stable housing is critical as there is need to reduce virus exposure and transmission by controlling one’s own environment such as being able to quarantine or physically distance. Also, to be able to take proactive measures to stay healthy such as practicing good hygiene, being sheltered from the elements, and getting adequate sleep is key.
Joseph Chick, ColumbiaCare’s Veterans Services Director stated “Through the work that we do, we are well aware that offering a person housing stability allows them the emotional and physical space to become more grounded, to access care, to participate in services, and move their life in a much better direction. Steps that are very difficult to take when you are living in crisis mode and just trying to survive”.
ColumbiaCare hopes to begin construction before the end of July and to have the project completed in February or March of 2021.
Jennifer Sewitsky, ColumbiaCare’s Communications Director stated “Although we couldn’t invite the community and our partners to gather like we typically would, we still wanted to mark the occasion, and also send a message of thanks to all who helped make this project possible.”
Stewart Apartments will be a brand new, 16-unit, affordable, permanent, Supportive Housing complex for local Veteran citizens who committed themselves to serve and protect our country, and who now find themselves underhoused, at risk of homelessness, or currently experiencing homelessness.
The development of the project is partially funded through grants from the City of Medford and Oregon Housing & Community Services, with the remaining costs covered by financing through Washington Federal Bank.
“We want to thank our partners and funders for their commitment to Veterans. It is heartening to see our community and state make Veterans a priority in their decision-making and investment of resources. The impact this housing will have on those who will call it home is immeasurable.” said Stacy Ferrell, the Executive Director of ColumbiaCare.
ColumbiaCare shares that housing is one of the most basic yet critical components to providing the opportunity for an individual to experience personal safety, self-sufficiency, and improved health. Now more than ever, during a time of pandemic concerns, stable housing is critical as there is need to reduce virus exposure and transmission by controlling one’s own environment such as being able to quarantine or physically distance. Also, to be able to take proactive measures to stay healthy such as practicing good hygiene, being sheltered from the elements, and getting adequate sleep is key.
Joseph Chick, ColumbiaCare’s Veterans Services Director stated “Through the work that we do, we are well aware that offering a person housing stability allows them the emotional and physical space to become more grounded, to access care, to participate in services, and move their life in a much better direction. Steps that are very difficult to take when you are living in crisis mode and just trying to survive”.
ColumbiaCare hopes to begin construction before the end of July and to have the project completed in February or March of 2021.
https://www.kdrv.com/content/news/ColumbiaCare-breaks-ground-on-site-for-new-veterans-housing-in-Medford-571667291.html