Case Study
National Church Residences Commons at Grant Supportive Housing Project
The Commons at Grant is a beautiful new $8.5 million apartment and office complex located in downtown Columbus that provides affordable housing and supportive services for single adults with long-term homelessness and low income. The Commons at Grant was a new venture for National Church Residences, which had extensive experience in property development for seniors and low-income families, but little experience working with chronically homeless adults.
Public Service Consulting began working with the administrative team at National Church Residences in early 2000, researching supportive housing and service models across the nation. After looking at a variety of models and the needs of the target population in Columbus, the team developed a service model that was a good fit for the mission of the organization. Supportive services were designed to encourage employment, health and recovery, and community involvement.
Public Service Consulting prepared a number of successful grant proposals to fund both capital development and supportive services. Three-year funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was secured for supportive services. Additional funding for supportive services was secured from the Community Shelter Board, The Columbus Foundation, and the Nationwide Foundation. Public Service Consulting worked with neighboring residents and businesses to gain support for the project and develop a “Good Neighbor Agreement.” A Neighborhood Advisory Council was established to help resolve issues and keep the lines of communication open. Public Service Consulting also helped develop a Resident Council, a mentor program, and a peer-based recovery program for people with substance abuse issues.
The Commons at Grant opened in July of 2002, and has been very successful with helping residents maintain housing, find employment, improve health and wellness, and increase community involvement. The program blends in well with the neighborhood. Residents host an annual cookout and open house for neighbors and volunteer for neighborhood clean-up days, Oktoberfest, and other service projects. Public Service Consulting continues to assist the program through staff training, grant writing and program development, and fundraising efforts. National Church Residences is pleased with the Commons at Grant, and are actively involved in two new supportive housing projects.
