Places for People is taking another bold step in its ongoing effort to address the housing needs of people living with severe and persistent mental disorders.

PfP has purchased the property at 5235 Page Avenue and is planning an extensive renovation to convert it to 23 units of supported housing, plus communal space and offices for on-site staff.

Tentatively titled “Places at Page,” this facility will help fill an important role in the housing gap for people living with severe and persistent mental illness.

“This will be the perfect combination of all the good things about independent living and of all the benefits of having on-site support—if and when you need it,” explains PfP Executive Director Francie Broderick.

Each apartment will include its own living space, kitchen, and bathroom. Prospective residents will be people who can and want to live independently, but who may need the attention and support provided by a secure facility with on-site, around-the-clock staff.

Places at Page will provide an excellent alternative for people who have previously either been homeless or unnecessarily housed in nursing homes.

“This is another piece of the housing array. It’s the most missing piece of the array of services in the state and certainly in this area,” says Broderick.

On-site staff will be instrumental at Places at Page in helping to stabilize housing for people who may have a history of chronic homelessness. Staff will be available to assist and intervene as needed and to provide support services directly where the clients live, which has consistently proven to yield the most positive results.

With development assistance from ND Consulting Group, the plans for this project have been designed by Jeffrey A. Brambila, AIA, Architects & Planners of St. Louis. Financing plans include a combination of tax credits, public funding, and private donations.

Project Overview

• The 2 1/2 floors plus the lower level will be extensively renovated for use by residents and staff.
• Staff will be on-site around the clock and will provide community support and monitor the entrance.
• There will be 23 residential units, consisting of 9 efficiency, 10 one-bedroom, and 4 two-bedroom apartments.
• Three overnight rooms will be available for short-term use to address special situations.
• Each unit will have ample closet space as well as a full kitchen with standard electric appliances.
• The building will have central air conditioning.
• There will be several community areas, including a community kitchen, a living room and social areas, a laundry room, and meeting and conference rooms.
• The outdoor courtyard will be accessible to residents.
• All major systems will be replaced.
• Minor exterior repairs will be made to preserve the structure’s historic integrity.

Labels: Addiction, Affordable Housing, Agency Philosophy, Funding, Housing First