West Central Board Meeting

Minutes – October 2009

GUEST SPEAKERS

· Michelle Hines of Promise House addressed issue of obtaining a variance to operate additional rehabilitation houses in area of 13-Step House

o Hearing set for November 19, 2009 – will focus on change in genders and distance from other group homes

o Currently 13-Step House leases the property to Promise House

o Zoning regulation prohibits location of this type of house within 1000 feet of similar house

o Hope House is supported solely by donations and grants and will offer GED classes, parenting classes, job training skills classes, healthy family classes, etc. to women who suffer from addictions

o Will not accept individuals with a history of violence

o To date, rules have focused on being tailored to the neighborhood

o Alternative location was discussed, but current location allows Promise House to use 13-Step House facilities

o Security guard is on duty from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m.

o The two locations – 1314 W. Jefferson and 1322 W. Jefferson – will house no more than 12 women (1314 is 2-bedroom and 1322 is 3-bedroom)

o Residents pay rent and are sometimes helped by the Trustee’s office