Housing and aid for those with mental and behavioral needs in Athens took center stage at an Athens town hall meeting Thursday night.
After lawsuits were filed to prevent construction from beginning on a housing project on Graham Drive, residents hosted a town hall meeting to start a dialogue with organizations seeking to supply the mentally ill with housing.
Some residents expressed concern about the lack of communication about the Graham Drive project.
“I agree that (special needs housing) is something the community needs, however the process is important,” said Carolyn Lewis, a member of the Athens City Commission on Disabilities. “Communication is key. The community must be aware of exactly what is going to take place.”
Timothy House, a local homeless shelter run by Good Works, was unable to accommodate almost half the people who sought shelter last year because it was at full capacity, said Andrea Horsch of Good Works.
“People fall through the cracks because there are big cracks to fall through,” Horsch said.
A housing project in a neighborhood does not necessarily mean the residents will be endangered or negatively affected, said Mary Kneier of the Gathering Place, a mental health recovery support center in Athens.
“I don’t think anyone can say their property value has dropped because of the Gathering Place,” Kneier said.
Robin Brigante, an Athens resident and member of the Athens Disabilities Commission, said she has received significant support and help from her neighbors despite having a mental illness and a physical disability.
“We can never build enough houses fast enough to suit everybody (in need), and that’s the shame of it,” said Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl.
The City of Athens, the League of Women Voters of Athens County and the Athens City Commission on Disabilities sponsored the forum. Local groups such as Good Works, Habitat for Humanity and the 317 Board presented at the meeting.
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