Homeless support organization would like transition house, resource center in Scottville

scottville city hall 08-23-23

Homeless support organization would like transition house, resource center in Scottville

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

SCOTTVILLE — A newly organized non-profit organization serving the homeless would like to use a vacant house for transitional housing and would also like to use the second floor of city hall as a resource center. Representatives are scheduled to appear in front of the Scottville Planning Commission Tuesday, Feb. 6, during its regular meeting.

Helping Others Prosper is a non-profit organization registered with the State of Michigan. According to the organization’s prepared presentation for the planning commission, it is in the process of applying to be a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the Internal Revenue Service.

The organization is seeking to create what it is calling Prosper House, a transitional home for two to three small families or individuals in a house located at 306 E. State St. The house is currently listed for sale. The house is zoned as low density residential.

“Prosper House will be staffed 24/7 by Helping Others Prosper volunteers that will be trained to provide support services, using the H.O.P. Stepping Stone Program,” a statement from the organization reads. “The director and assistant director will be available 24/7 for any issues that arise.”

The statement further says that a volunteer will stay in the house around the clock as security and support.

“Families will stay in the home for three to 12 months while working the Stepping Stone Program – financial freedom, mindful wellness, self empowerment and housing independence.”

The organization also states it has a goal of leasing the second floor of Scottville City Hall as a resource center/emergency shelter for women.

“We would offer to make necessary repairs and upgrades to the space in exchange for a long term lease of the space.

“This resource center would be open to the public during the day and only open to the women staying in the emergency space overnight, again with 24/7 security/support by H.O.P. trained volunteers.”

City Manager Jimmy Newkirk said the organization’s representatives are on the agenda to have a discussion with the Planning Commission.

“They haven’t acquired the house to my knowledge or even discussed the subject with anybody other than me,” Newkirk said. “The planning commission is just going to hear a presentation that they shared with me a few weeks ago and discuss the topic. They’re not asking for anything at this point. Just gauging interest and exploring options.”

The second floor of Scottville City Hall used to be used as a community center. In the mid-1970s it was shut down after the opening of the Scottville Optimist Center. Its steep staircase and a lack of an elevator have been a hindrance to any development of the space over the last 40-plus years, as it does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. The space is used by the city for storage. In 2023, the City Commission had set as one of its goals to sell the 108-year-old City Hall and move into a more economical space.

Usage of the City Hall would ultimately be a decision made by City Commission, but the Planning Commission can make recommendations.

The Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 105 N. Main St.