RDI is assisting Clinical & Support Options, Inc. (CSO), a regional non-profit community behavioral and mental health agency, with transforming the existing emergency shelter at 60 Wells Street, Greenfield, and adding 36 studio apartments for chronically homeless individuals.
The proposed design includes substantial renovation of the existing building and addition of a new 3-story building to create a total of 36 housing units. Total shelter beds for men and women will increase from 30, currently, to 40. Shelter guests and housing residents will have access to an array of 24/7 services specifically designed to meet the needs of formerly homeless residents.
In April 2023 shelter and housing resource services at Wells Street transitioned from ServiceNet to CSO. CSO’s Friends of the Homeless (FOH) program operates a combination of shelter, housing resource center, and supportive housing in Springfield. At 60 Wells Street, this successful model will be scaled to meet the needs of Greenfield and Franklin County. It is a low-threshold model with a “Housing First” approach. Services at 60 Wells Street include on-site meals and case management as well as helping individuals connect to CSO or partner agencies who provide a wide array of services within blocks of the site.
CSO is partnering with RDI for development and project management services, along with Valley Housing Consultants, Jones Whitsett Architects, and Berkshire Design Group. The Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) is supporting the project with predevelopment and acquisition funding. In spring 2023, the project received funding through EOHLC’s 2022 Supportive Housing One Stop round. The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) awarded CSO up to $500,000 annually towards the development and operations of the permanent supportive housing units. The City of Greenfield is committing $300,000 in local CPA and CDBG funds. The local housing coalition, Housing Greenfield, has provided continuous support throughout the predevelopment process.
In April 2023, the Greenfield Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the issuance of a Special Permit for the project. Construction is planned to begin in 2024. CSO is committed to ensuring the continuation of shelter services during construction and is coordinating with the City of Greenfield on establishing a temporary shelter location.
Greenfield Recorder article: CSO to lead $23M expansion of housing homeless services in Greenfield