Project proposal providing homes for homeless seems logical

We haven’t gotten a sense of what neighbors will think of a proposal for an $11 million apartment complex to serve homeless and mentally disabled individuals, but we’re happy that officials are trying to get something done about a glaring problem.

Bring up the topic of homelessness anywhere in the area and you get mixed reactions, that’s for sure. Some people want them out of here, some people don’t care, some people want compassionate actions taken; some people want to be supportive. No matter from what quarter you come, this plan seems like a solution – or at least a big part of a solution: thinning the ranks of the homeless by putting them in homes. It seems pretty logical.

According to a report by Josh Gutierrez published Wednesday, the 42-unit development would be dubbed the Richland Permanent Supportive Housing Project. A 30day public review period has started.

Tony Hobson assistant director for Health and Human Services for Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health, said there are a lot of people in our area interested in helping the homeless community and this is a piece of the puzzle that needs to be done. Housing for the homeless and programs to move them from one way of life to another seems like a pretty basic piece, at that.

Just over a half acre was dedicated a month ago by the Regional Housing Authority of Sutter and Nevada Counties.

Funding for the project is largely through grants.

If the project moves forward, construction could start next winter and units could be available in 2019. Not only would the unit provide housing, it would host other services needed by those making the transition.

A community meeting was conducted Wednesday and another one is scheduled for today from 5:15 p.m.-6:15 p.m. at the SutterYuba Behavioral Health Valley Oak Conference Room, 1965 Live Oak Blvd, Suite A, in Yuba City.