TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Thursday, Mental Health America of West Central Indiana and the Terre Haute City Council discuss a planned housing facility for the homeless.
In a project that is being called Liberty Village phase two, Mental Health America of West Central Indiana hopes to construct a two-story facility with 50 one unit apartments for those facing homelessness.
“We’re not saying we’re going to end the homeless situation but we do want to end people being chronically homeless in the area,” said Myra Wilkey, Mental Health America of West Central Indiana CEO.
The facility which is planned to be constructed directly next to Liberty Village, between Elm and Locust Street in Terre Haute, will also have an engagement center.
“What it would allow is the opportunity for those individuals who are homeless in our community to have a place to come in out of the weather to seek shelter in cold days, hot days. They can come in and shower, they can designate this place as a place for mail delivery,” said Jeff Lewellyn, attorney with Wilkinson Law.
Thursday, representatives with Mental Health America met virtually with the Terre Haute City Council to seek the rezoning of the property to push the project forward.
“Liberty Village is zoned R-3, we are seeking to rezone this property as R-3 as well,” Lewellyn said.
While the city council did not vote on the matter Thursday evening, several city council members spoke in support of the housing project.
“It’s a situation that needs to be addressed by our community and I’m so glad that you’re doing the work to get this done,” said Todd Nation, Terre Haute City Council member.
The Terre Haute City Council will be able to take further action on the project during a meeting scheduled for September.
