Advance Housing » News
To all who support Advance Housing, Inc. below is the updated timeline for our tax appeal case.
Notice of Appeal filed – October 8, 2009
Scheduling Order released – October 27, 2009
Advance Housing brief along with 9 volume appendix submitted on – January 8, 2010
Defendants Fairview, Ramsey, Ridgefield Park, and Teaneck briefs submitted – March 11-12 2010
Amicus Brief submitted/due March 26, 2010
Reply Brief of Advance Housing due April 5, 2010
Oral argument – to be scheduled
2010 Point In Time Count of the Homeless
On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, the 2010 Point In Time Count (PITC) was held statewide. Although it is not a HUD statistical count year (last was 2009), all 21 counties in New Jersey participated in the count at some level. As in years past, many counties also held a Project Homeless Connect (PHC) event in conjunction with the PITC. The one day PHC events provided needed health and social services along with providing food, clothes and toiletries to thousands of homeless individuals throughout the State.
Mark your calendar! The week of April 16 to 22, 2010 is the sixth annual Money$mart Week (M$W) in Sussex County. Residents will have an opportunity to increase their financial knowledge by attending presentations given by area financial professionals.
Money$mart Week promotes the financial wellness of Sussex County citizens of all ages and incomes. It is the only financial education program of its type in New Jersey and one of less than a dozen M$W programs conducted nationwide.
For additional information about 2010 Money $mart Week activities, see an upcoming insert in the New Jersey Herald on April 4 or visit www.aroundthearea.com and www.sussex.nj.us.
Bergen — Project Homeless Connect
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center
120 South River Street, Hackensack, NJ
8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Information, assistance and refreshments for people who are homeless
- Benefit Counseling
- Social Security
- Welfare
- Legal Services
- Housing Applications
- Veterans Services
- Health Services
- Mental Health
- Employment
- Food
- Clothing
- Hair Cuts
If you would like to become a Project Homeless Connect sponsor, or should you require additional information, contact Carol Benners at (201) 336-7472, hsplanning@co.bergen.nj.us.
Dear Agency Director:
The Department of the Public Advocate requests your cooperation in a study it is conducting regarding the role of supportive housing in New Jersey's efforts to deinstitutionalize individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. As you may know, Advance Housing is involved in a legal dispute as to whether or not properties should be tax exempt. The Department of the Public Advocate has joined in this dispute, and is working with the Bazelon Center on this case.
The Department of the Public Advocate is charged with protecting the rights of the people in New Jersey, with a focus on people with mental illnesses, people with developmental disabilities, and older adults. The Division of Mental Health Advocacy works to ensure that people with mental illnesses are receiving the care and assistance they need to live the fullest lives possible. This study is being conducted pursuant to these mandates.
Among other things, the Department is interested in learning the extent to which supportive housing providers receive and rely on tax exemptions to accomplish their missions and provide care. Thus, as part of this study, we ask that you complete the attached brief survey which includes questions aimed at illuminating this issue.
You can return the survey to us by fax, which is 609-984-4770, or by e-mail to my e-mail address, which is ann.portas@advocate.state.nj.us.
We appreciate your participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 609-826-5077.
Sincerely,
Ann Portas, LCSW
Deputy Director, Mental Health Advocacy
New Jersey Department of the Public Advocate
Advance Housing celebrated the holidays with DJ Dru from All American DJ Service at The 9 Iron Grille at the Paramus Golf Course.
Jessica Echevarria, Gabriella Lewis and Dilenia Baez
Tracy Barnes and Gabriella Lewis
Advance Housing, Inc. in collaboration with the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center held the first annual Homeless Person's Memorial on Monday, December 21 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Every year, on December 21 which is the first day of Winter and the longest day of the year there will be a memorial to remember the homeless people who died without health care and shelter.
http://www.njaneh.org/2009/12/24/video-of-bergens-homeless-persons-memorial-day/
The Bergen County Consumer Recreation Committee is a subcommittee of the Professional Advisory Committee to the Bergen County Mental Health Board. The event below is sponsored by a coalition of individual advocates from the consumer community and the following mental health organizations: Advance Housing, Inc., Collaborative Support Services, NAMI Bergen County Inc., NAMI Family organization, and the Professional Advisory Committee to the Bergen County Mental Health Board.
TALENT SHOW
Friday, September 25, 2009
3:30 – 6:00 pm
Friendship House Cafeteria
125 Salem Street, Hackensack, NJ
Light supper will be provided. Space is limited.
If you would like to perform please call Sue at 201 634-2753 or email SBoggia@co.bergen.nj.us
Property tax ruling goes against non-profit
The Record
Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009
By Leslie Brody
Read Full Story
A state judge ruled against Advance Housing, Inc., on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 that the organization does not deserve tax exemptions on homes it leased to 35 mentally ill clients in nine Bergen County towns.
Judge Pizzuto said the non-profit agency did not bring its counseling and training into the homes enough to warrant giving the properties themselves tax exemptions. He said the services were often "brief" and always "voluntary." Furthermore, he said, Advance Housing provided help to many clients who did not live in its homes, so its service and housing arms are separate.
At stake is more than $1 million dollars in property taxes from 2002 to 2004. Advance Housing, based in Hackensack, had sought exemptions for its houses, condos and apartments in Bergenfield, Fairview, Hackensack, Leonia, Little Ferry, Lodi, Teaneck, Ramsey and Ridgefield Park. Most tenants had been moved out of psychiatric institutions as part of a national movement to bring the mentally ill back into the community.
Joel Ellis, a lawyer for Advance Housing, said the agency should not be penalized for serving clients outside its homes and that he would recommend an appeal. He said support, such as, counseling, transportation and training in shopping and cleaning, was critical to help fragile clients live independently- a cheaper option for taxpayers than institutional care.
Court papers filed by Advance Housing said it costs about $20,000 a year to sustain a client in one of its homes, compared with $60,000 in a group home and $146,000 in a psychiatric hospital.
The Executive Committee of Advance Housing has unanimously voted to appeal the decision of Judge Pizzutto.
Advance Housing, Inc. has received monetary donations with all money going directly to the appeal. If you would like to donate please send your contribution for the "tax appeal" case directly to:
Advance Housing, Inc.
100 First Street, Suite 203
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Attention: Nancy Storey
We appreciate everyone in the community's support.
Countywide Mental Health Advocacy Breakfast, May 20, 2009
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NJ Advocacy Network to End Homelessness Meet in Washington, DC for the third year
The 3rd Annual Congressional Reception was a success. More than three hundred and fifty (350) formerly homeless people, passionate advocates and housing providers from across the state attended the July 28, 2009 event. Pictured below are Mary Rossettini, President/CEO; Frank Robertson, Homeless Service Team consumer; and Marc A. Cevasco, Legislative Director for Congressman Rothman. To read more about this years reception please go to www.njaneh.org.
Free cancer screening
Dr. John Vaccaro volunteered his services to Advance Housing staff and consumers on June 26, 2009 in the form of a free skin cancer screening. The screening took place from 10a – 2p at 146 Rt. 17 N, Hackensack, 3rd floor. The screening was free to staff and consumers. Consumers are also eligible for free follow up treatment (i.e. excision of lesions, etc). A special thank you to Kathleen Bikoff and Beverly for helping to coordinate the event.
Advance Housing's first annual food drive was a success. Thank you to all the staff, consumers and trustees who donated without hesitation. In 2008, the Center for Food Action distributed 42, 271 seven-day emergency packages, which consists of 10 bags of groceries. CFA reports that most of their clients are working people who have hit upon hard times due to an illness, low paying job, or temporary unemployment.
Please do not forget those in our communities who need assistance. For additional information regarding your local Center for Food Action please go to www.cfanj.org.
Advance Housing's First Annual Food Drive!
For the entire month of June, Advance Housing, in collaboration with the Center for Food Action will be collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries.
At This time of year the pantries are low on food.
Items can be picked up from your home by Advance Housing employees and taken to needed CFA locations.
Please call Grace Gawryluk at (201) 498-9140 EXT. 239 to schedule a pick up day and time
Let's work together and make this a Great Success!
Mary graduates from Bergen Leads
Mary L. Rossettini, President & CEO of Advance Housing, Inc. is part of the first graduating class of Bergen LEADS. Bergen LEADS is an eye-opening, year-long learning and leadership experience that challenges your assumptions about Bergen County and its people, introduces you to County leaders and decision makers, exposes you to widely divergent views of Bergen County issues, brings Bergen County to life through exciting field trips and site visits, and illuminates and strengthen your leadership style. The graduation will occur on June 16th, 2009. For more information about the Bergen LEADS programs, check out www.bergenleads.org.
Tejase Yoga for Advance Housing employees
Staff at Advance Housing have the pleasure of attending on site yoga classes on Mondays and Wednesdays for an hour. Penni Feiner, RYT, one of the founders of Tejase is the Wednesday afternoon teacher. Penni has four years of experience teaching vinyasa flow yoga and is a KRI certified Kundalini Yoga teacher. She is also certified to teach Restorative and Lifeforce Yoga. Her classes integrate sacred sound with movement, encouraging participants to explore their own personal inner song. The Advance Housing employees are discussing their yoga classes from the time one class ends to the time the next class begins. Tejase partners with non-profits to provide cost effective classes for employees and consumers. For additional information please see the website at www.tejase.org.
A special, "Thank you" to YogaAccessories.com who graciously donated 100 Pravara Non-Skid Mat towels to Advance Housing employees attending the yoga classes.
New to Advance Housing is an "Employee of the Month" program. There is a different category each month such as problem solving, team work, professional development; communication and dependability just to name a few. The winner gets a designated parking spot close to the building, an employee of the month certificate, as well as a $10 gift card for lunch. The category for April was communication won by Zakiyyah Bowers, the May category is dependability and the employee of the month is Eric Arnesen. Congratulations to Zakiyyah and Eric.
On Thursday, December 18, 2008 Advance Housing, Inc. celebrated the end of the year with a holiday party hosted by The Crow's Nest. A good time was had by all.
Top row, left to right Roger Nafash, Linda Laukaitis, Becky Pitman
Sitting, left to right: Grace Gawryluk, Davida Cohen, Nancy Storey and Jon Cohen
Grace Gawryluk and Luz Alvarez
On November 3, 2008, the Division of Mental Health Services awarded the Request for Proposal for Home to Recovery Supportive Housing Initiative for Consumers who are at Risk of Homelessness and/or Institutionalization, with a total award amount of 2.3 million for the State of New Jersey. Advance Housing is a proud recipient of one of these awards. In collaboration with Children's Aid and Family Services, and assistance from Becton Dickinson, Advance Housing, Inc will service four "aging out" youth leaving the Division of Children and Behavioral System and entering the adult system. This grant will provide supportive housing services to 87 consumers in the State.
Plans are underway for Bergen and Sussex County's 3rd annual Project Homeless Connect (PHC) to be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. PHC is a one-day event sponsored by the Department of Human Services, the Human Services Advisory Council, and community agencies from Bergen and Sussex County's. The event is a one day, one-stop resource filled community event for individuals who are currently homeless or at-risk of being homeless. Last January, over 30 agencies and over 50 generous donors assisted hundreds of people in both counties.
Please support this project by providing a donation to either County below.
Bergen County is in need of:
- Fast food certificates in increments of $5 (Mc Donald's, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, etc.);
- Phone cards and;
- Monetary donations.
Make checks payable to Bergen County Community Action Partnership, Inc (BCCAP)* and note Project Homeless Connect in the memo. Donations can be brought to the BCCAP Drop-In Center, 67 Orchard St., Hackensack, NJ, 07601, Monday thru Friday from 7 am to 7 pm and will be accepted until January 28, 2009.
Sussex County is in need of:
- Laundry detergent;
- Paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper and tissues;
- Baby wipes and diapers;
- New socks and new underwear;
- Soap, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste;
- $5.00 or $10.00 telephone cards and;
- Gift certificates to food stores.
To donate or for more information, please contact Christine Florio, Sussex County Division of Community and Youth Services at (973) 948-6000 ext. 226.
Your contribution will make this event a success and help our County's most vulnerable population.
Communities across New Jersey have reported increases in homelessness as a result of the recession, and without effective intervention, we are expecting those spikes to continue. For that reason, many of you have been working with the Advocacy Network and our national partners to secure funding for affordable housing and prevention strategies in economic recovery legislation which Congress is crafting.
The Advocacy Network and the National Alliance to End Homelessness request your assistance in getting signatures on a Congressional sign-on letter to the House Appropriations Committee which Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI) have begun circulating.
The letter calls on Congress to include in the final economic recovery legislation:
- $2 billion in the Emergency Shelter Grant Program for preventing and ending homelessness,
- $10 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, and
- $3.6 billion for 400,000 Section 8 vouchers.
This is a policy issue the Advocacy Network has been advocating for since last year.
We need your help to make sure that adequate funding is including in the economic recovery plan.
This link provides all of the details.
http://www.njaneh.org/2009/01/15/house-sign-on-letter-seeks-funds-to-end-homelessness/
In addition, this link provides information on what is in the bill.
http://www.njaneh.org/2009/01/15/economic-recovery-plan-funds-for-housing-and-homelessness/
On January 15, 2009, the House Appropriations Committee released details of an $825 billion economic stimulus plan that includes $550 billion in federal spending and $275 billion in tax cuts over the next two years. Largely, the stimulus package is intended to address the economic downturn by creating opportunities for job creation, sustaining healthcare programs and providing additional funding to state governments reeling under dismal tax revenues.
Congressman David R. Obey (D-Wis.), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said that approximately 60 percent of the spending component of the package would be directed to assist state and local governments and nonprofit organizations in providing social services and would be based on funding formulas.
Following are highlights of the healthcare-specific provisions that affect the mental health community:
- $87 billion to provide a 4.8 percent increase to the federal share of state Medicaid costs, with additional relief to address climbing unemployment rates
- Extension of the moratorium on Medicaid and Medicare regulations through October 1, 2009
- $39 billion to subsidize health coverage for individuals who lose their jobs and cannot afford employer-covered health care.
The plan also includes a temporary increase in federal welfare funding to needy families. In addition, individuals with disabilities would see a one-time additional monthly payment.
The New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness is pleased to present this First Annual Congressional Report Card. This Report Card will allow all of us to know how our two Senators and thirteen members of the House of Representatives voted on key issues related to ending homelessness in New Jersey. Click here to get the most updated information: http://www.endinghomelessnessinnj.org/report-card
Congratulations to Advance Housing for receiving a Home Community Housing Development Organizations grant of $401,500.00. This award will provide funds for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 8 units of affordable rental housing including 5 units for special needs individuals, in the project known as Gingerbread Castle Homes in Hamburg, NJ.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2008 the Advance Housing clinical staff and consumers spent the afternoon in Van Saun Park for their annual picnic. It was a day of relaxation and socialization for all. This year, approximately 75 Advance Housing consumers attended and a good time was had by all. Transportation was not an issue as the staff provided a ride to any consumer who needed it. This year's planning committee consisted of Zaiyyah Bowers, Aneesah Thomas, Laura Kohler, Roger Nafash and Luz Alvarez. Eric Arensen and Brian Moriarty were the chefs for the day. There was music throughout the day, a softball and volleyball game, a game of musical chairs and every half hour a raffle was conducted with goody bags given out.
A letter saying thank you is always a nice surprise. This letter was received from a consumer to Mary Rossettini, President/CEO: "Mary Rossettini, I want to bring to your attention Stephanie Lampariello. She is one of the most efficient and caring social workers I've ever met. She is very intelligent and always prompt. Stephanie goes the extra mile. I just want to thank Advance Housing for being there for me and I am glad there is such a great program." Stephanie works in the HoST program.
The New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness coordinated the Second Annual Congressional Reception on July 30, 2008 and was attended by more than 200 individuals and families. They met with our legislators to inform them about issues of importance to our communities. One of the many individuals who attended is an Advance Housing HoST consumer, Frank Robertson. To read more about Frank and hear his words click here.
The New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness is a statewide organization whose mission is to advocate on a federal level for adequate funding for permanent affordable and supportive housing for homeless individuals and families. Advance Housing, Inc is a member of the advocacy network. For additional information on the Network click here.
On Thursday, July 24, 2008 Advance Housing had an in-service on "Cultural Diversity" conducted by TNT Educational Services. The 2 hour training was interactive and well received by all the staff who attended. Advance Housing continues to promote the diversity of the organization and our environment.
Giving to and caring for people comes naturally to one of the Advance Housing consumers. ML has knitted six beautiful blankets and has donated them to the HOGAR RAFAEL AYAU Orphanage in Guatemala.
Prior to participating in the Complete Wellness grant, sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS) and created by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Advance Housing was well on its way to addressing complete wellness with the individuals who receive services from the agency. On Friday, June 6, 2008 part of the Advance Housing team (pictured below) presented their success of the WRAP program to other organizations, employees of DMHS and UMDNJ.
In September of 2006 Advance Housing, Inc. sent a staff member, Alexandria Kublin, to a five day training in Vermont on the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP). After completing this training Alexandria received a certificate as a Certified Recovery Educator. Alexandria brought the information back to the agency and presented several trainings to other staff. After the trainings, staff introduced the WRAP to consumers and began assisting them with understanding and implementing the WRAP as a tool for achieving and maintaining wellness in all areas of their life, including physical health.
The staff report learning that each person has their own motivators to move them toward complete wellness. The experience has also shown that consistency yields better results and that diligence pays off.
Shlomit Levy, Linda Laukaitis,Nicole Maharaj, Roger Nafash
The Advance Housing staff report that by implementing complete wellness, consumers' outlooks became more hopeful, positive, motivated, and involved. Consumers have told them that originally they did not believe recovery was possible, and that now they are more optimistic about their ability to personally achieve Wellness and Recovery.
See the "Resident's Corner" for a consumer's experience of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan.
Strategic Plan
Advance Housing, Inc has entered its eleventh year of community service, and is in its third year under the current leadership. Our emphasis on Mission, Vision, and Values, has paid dividends in growth, stability, quality, and recognition. However, the coming years 2008-2011 pose new challenges that are very exciting, and that will test the foundations already set in place.
On May 26, 2008 there was a unanimous vote from the Board of Trustees for Advance Housing, Inc to move forward with the three year strategic plan. The strategic agenda is a new chapter in our growth process. While 2006 and 2007 has saw enormous growth, our future includes: an intense focus on increasing the supportive housing stock, pressure on the mental health community’s financial stability, and governmental regulatory instability, both state and federal.
We face increasing pressure of accountability and transparency while balancing a competitive edge. We will lead with executive creativity, clinical foresight, and administrative stability.
With the Board's approval of the goals and objectives of the plan, the President/CEO will be accountable for directing resources to ensure the goals are addressed and met.
Mary Rossettini and Bergen LEADS
I am pleased to announce Mary Rossettini, President/CEO has been accepted into the inaugural class of Bergen LEADS which begins in September 2008. Bergen LEADS is a year long learning and leadership experience for adults who live or work in Bergen County, sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, a private 501 ©3 non-profit corporation.
The program is open to any adult who lives in Bergen County and has exhibited leadership potential through community activities or in their profession, and who has an interest in strengthening Bergen County.
Participants will delve into their own leadership style and learn to maximize their strengths to become effective leaders. Class members will participate in defined service projects that provide an opportunity to develop solutions to real issues in the community. They will have guidance in using their Bergen LEADS experience to make Bergen County a better place in which to live and work.
The experiential, highly interactive curriculum is being developed by a team of community leaders, with the input and direction of William "Pat" Schuber, former Bergen County Executive and current instructor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Lynne H. Algrant, non-profit and leadership consultant, is developing the leadership and trusteeship portions of the program.
Advance Housing, Inc nominated for NJAMHA's Courage and Compassion Provider of the Year Award
The Courage and Compassion Award was created by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies to honor organization's commitment to improving the lives of individuals with mental illness. While the organization did not receive the award they were acknowledged for their innovative, positive work environment and leadership in the community.
Advance Housing is Dedicated to Consumer Privacy
Advance Housing has contracted with Safe Shredding LLC to handle the disposal of confidential information. Safe Shredding has provided the organization with locking containers for the collection of documentation to be destroyed. The documents they are given are destroyed on the premises, and the paper is recycled. AH is then provided with a Certificate of Destruction of confidential material collected and shredded.
Countywide Mental Health Advocacy Breakfast
Advance Housing in conjunction with the Bergen County Mental Health Board, Care Plus NJ, Christian Health Care Center, Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, North Jersey Friendship House, Vantage Health System and West Bergen Mental Healthcare hosted the Countywide Mental Health Advocacy Breakfast at the Seasons Restaurant in Washington Township on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 from 8:00am – 10:00am to celebrate the partnerships and accomplishments.
The keynote speaker was Alison Malmon, Executive Director of Active Minds.Active Minds is the nation's only peer-to-peer organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health among college students. The organization serves as the young adult voice in mental health advocacy on over one hundred college campuses nationwide. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Active Minds, Inc. is a nonprofit that develops and supports student-run mental health awareness, education, and advocacy chapters on college campuses across the country. Each student group's mission is to:
- Increase awareness of mental health issues;
- Provide information and resources regarding mental health and mental illness;
- Encourage students to seek help as soon as it is needed;
- Serve as liaison between students and the mental health community.
Advance Housing participates in Point-In-Time Survey
On January 29, 2008 New Jersey conducted the national Point-In-Time Survey. The survey/count was done on the same day this year, in every county in New Jersey, using the same tool in order to identify a need to the government which will leverage funds to provide affordable housing and services to the communities in New Jersey.
It is with great pride to announce that 27 Advance Housing employees participated in the State count in three counties: Bergen, Hudson and Sussex.
President/ CEO, Mary Rossettini volunteered her time in Bergen County at the Project Homeless Connect site which was at the Bergen County CAP Drop In Center.
Nancy Storey, Vice President of Development and Rosella Lent, administrative assistant, were also completing surveys at the Project Homeless Connect site.
Additional staff who were at the Project Homeless Connect site are: Courtney Graham, Lindsey Mazur, Ali Kublin, Olivia Santiago, Linda Laukaitis, Wendy Taylor, Natasha Kovic, Aneesah Thomas, and Paige Espinal.
Faith Waters, Vice President of Clinical Services monitored and tracked the safety of the 11 Advance Housing employees who were on the streets in Bergen County.
A special thank you goes out to the staff who started their workday at 5:30am and completed 48 surveys to count the homeless individuals living on the streets.
Rachel Kriegel, Davida Cohen, Grace Gawryluk, Nicole Cucciniello, Eric Arnesen, Yudelka Mieses, Theodora Cartes, Heather Jacobson, Luz Alvarez, Stephanie Lampariello, Roger Nafash
The employees who were in Sussex County are: Cindy Everitt and Gail Casabona
The employee who volunteered her time in Hudson County is: Jane Giambona
(left to right): Yudelka Mieses, Eric Arnesen, Faith Waters, Nicole Cucciniello, Rachel Kriegel, and Heather Jacobson
(left to right): Davida Cohen, Samuel Alarcon from the Salvation Army, Theodora Carter, Roger Nafash, Faith Waters, and Gerry Drummond, Bergen County Department of Human Services
Local television station, WMBC interviews Ms. DelValle and Ms. Rossettini
On Monday, January 28, 2008 Ms. Donna DelValle, Executive Director of Start Easy Eagle Development (SEED) and Ms. Mary Rossettini, President/CEO of Advance Housing Inc. were interviewed by a local Sussex County television station, WMBC.
Ms. DelValle spoke about the Demarest Farms project - an existing barn in Lafayette, NJ in Sussex County which will be converted to 10 affordable housing units for the mentally ill. According to the Point-in-Time survey conducted last year in Sussex County there were 200 homeless mentally ill. There will also be an extension built for 10 persons with physical disabilities.
According to Ms. DelValle, the city and township have been very supportive of the project.
There is a September 2009 anticipated open date for Demarest Farms.
In January 2008, Advance Housing was once again approved for an expansion of their Homeless Service Team (HoST) program to serve an additional 10 homeless adults living with mental illness. If not for safe, affordable supportive housing, and the services to support the consumers in the community, they face a great possibility of ending up admitted to a state psychiatric hospital.