PRESS RELEASE
The Reno City Council voted unanimously today to approve a new individual shelter village, which will provide sustainable short-term housing and support services for our community’s most vulnerable populations.
The village, Hope Springs, will be developed and operated by Northern Nevada HOPES and will include 30 units, in addition to a central facility with showers, restrooms, a kitchen and community space, including a garden. Individuals interested in becoming residents will go through a screening process to determine readiness for program participation. Residents will likely remain in the homes an average of four to six months before moving to more permanent housing as it becomes available. Program participants will receive intensive case management, including the coordination of medical care, behavioral health, workforce development and more.
“All people deserve a safe and stable place to sleep and, at HOPES, we believe that an individual’s housing status and health outcomes are undeniably linked,” said Sharon Chamberlain, Chief Executive Officer at Northern Nevada HOPES. “Hope Springs will help even the playing field and empower our neighbors experiencing homelessness.”
The individual shelter village concept was originally spearheaded by a coalition of community members including City of Reno Vice Mayor Neoma Jardon, Abbi Whitaker of the Abbi Agency, Bob Conrad of ThisisReno.com, Volunteers of America, ACTIONN, RISE, Northern Nevada HOPES and other partners to address our region’s shortage of affordable housing and shelter options.
“The growth and opportunity in our community is exciting and has been positive for many of our citizens,” said City of Reno Vice Mayor Neoma Jardon. “But it has also highlighted our region’s lack of affordable housing leaving many members of our community without a place to sleep, eat, or live safely.”
Hope Springs will be located at 250 Sage Street, the first phase of development includes construction of 10 units, and Chamberlain expects to move the first group of residents in by the end of this year. As funding becomes available, plans include the addition of 20 more units over the next nine months.
Reno City Council showed its support for the project by donating $100,000 for site improvements and $50,000 a year for three years to assist with program operations.
“We’re calling on all members of the community to contribute to this important project to help raise funds and create a resource in our city that uplifts our fellow citizens and demonstrates to the world that Reno is a place of caring, compassion and community,” said Jardon.
To learn more about Hope Springs and opportunities to contribute to the development and sustainability of the project, visit nnhopes.org/hopesprings.
