Nevada Rural Housing, FISH cut ribbon on new Richards Crossing in Carson City
Less than a year ago, Richards Crossing existed only on paper. But a project that had originally spawned from the vision of Friends In Service Helping (FISH) and other community members is now a manifest reality.
The 39-unit affordable housing facility on Jeanell Drive in northwest Carson City opened its doors Wednesday afternoon to dozens of community members who have been anxiously awaiting the completion of Richards Crossing, a project meant to help the local homeless population get back on its feet.
"This is not just a milestone for Carson City," Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell said in his remarks to those gathered Wednesday in the new facility's courtyard. "This is a milestone for humanity."
FISH Executive Director Jim Peckham said Richards Crossing will offer on-site social services to its residents, including mental health counseling, life skills training, and employment preparation.
"This establishment is a living learning center," he said. "It's meant to be a place where people can live, and we can help develop their skills. We can bring in medical, mental health, and workforce professionals to help people move forward in their lives."
Peckham said the Nevada Rural Housing Authority (NRHA) was able to take the lead in a community partnership with FISH by supplying the know-how to finance, design and build the kind of complex that had been envisioned for the homeless in Carson City.
"This has been the biggest collaboration I've seen in the 15-plus years I've lived in Carson City," he said. "Back in 2013, FISH had a vision, and with the help of Garth Richards bringing that gift we were able to bring it together."
Long-time Carson City resident Garth Richards supplied the 1.7-acre parcel of land on Jeanell Drive along with an existing office building, donating it to FISH for the homeless housing project.
Of the 38 on-site living units, eight are currently reserved for military veterans. The remaining 30 residences will be assigned according to need on a case-by-case basis.
One apartment is reserved for an on-site property manager.
Each 520 square-foot apartment includes a kitchen, living room, bedroom and bath. Four units are outfitted for specifically for disabled tenants. As many as three people are allowed to live in each apartment.
In addition to the more than three dozen living quarters, Richards Crossing also includes first and second floor on-site laundry facilities, a game room, library, a large community room, consultation rooms for medical and mental health professionals, a 2,400 square foot job training center, even a dog park area for pets and planned raised garden beds.
Residents will be expected to participate in the upkeep of the property, Peckham had said, by applying the life and work skills learned through the comprehensive social services program.
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