The innovative Inter-Faith Council @ SECU Community house opened Monday, Sept. 21, with a ribbon-cutting attended by several dignitaries and hundreds of area residents in Chapel Hill, NC. White chairs were lined up in front of a tent pitched in the parking lot of the 16,543-square-foot building that will house administrative offices, supportive living programs, residential dormitories for 52 men, a kitchen and dining area, mental and physical health services and dental care facilities.
Michael Reinke, IFC Executive Director stated: “With the IFC @ SECU Community House, IFC is making a promise to bring the resources of our greater community to support people who are looking for a place to call home. Piedmont Health Services is our partner and the anchor in our ability to provide that.”
In a unique arrangement, the shelter also includes a community health center, which will be operated by Piedmont Health. IFC Community Health Center will provide medical and dental services.
“We are very happy to establish this partnership with IFC,” said Brian Toomey, CEO of Piedmont Health. “This new venture fits perfectly with our mission of providing high-quality, affordable health care to residents of central North Carolina. Piedmont, since it was established 45 years ago, is committed to providing the right care at the right cost at the right place. Too often, homeless citizens do not get the primary medical care and other health-care services that they desperately need, and we are thrilled to be part of an innovative solution to this pressing problem.”
“It’s fitting that we have this kind of gathering,” said Rep. David Price. (D-4th District). “We’ve been witness to the public-private partnership that made this facility possible today…In our community vision, when some are left out, when any are diminished, we all are diminished. Our faith teaches that and it’s the kind of community we want to be.”
North Carolina State Senator Valerie Foushee (D-23rd District) said the IFC facility offered “a permanent home, direction, rehabilitation, purpose and possibility for many.”
Other speakers included UNC-CH Chancellor Carol Folt, Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle, Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Orange County Board of Commissioners Chairman Earl McKee.
After the speeches, dignitaries gathered outside the building and cut a big blue ribbon, officially opening the center. The crowd then toured the new building.
Officials said the program at Community House will provide a number of advantages for residents over existing homeless shelters, including:
- Safe and stable living accommodations
- High standards for resident participation
- Improved services, new skills and personal guides for independent living
- Referrals to substance abuse education and counseling
- On-site medical and health treatment
- Job coaches, Social Workers and agency partners
- Partnerships with community agencies