Resources for Human Development (RHD), a national human services nonprofit, has introduced plans for a new place to help people experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County. Owen Camuso, RHD’s regional director, went before Lower Providence Township supervisors to present the “short-term housing” plan called Genny’s Place at the Eagleville Hospital property at 100 Eagleville Road. Eagleville Hospital is an addiction recovery site with 347 beds and is managed as an independent nonprofit facility. The treatment center would serve as a “landlord” for Genny’s place. Camuso said the plan to provide short-term housing in apartment-like settings with support services is not a homeless shelter. Those eligible for services provided through the short-term housing model would be screened in a multi-stage admissions process, with assistance from outreach partners, background checks and conversations to ensure the individual “understand(s) the program’s purpose” as “people need to have motivation to really engage in our services and to move forward.” Advocates and elected officials stressed that the proposal is in its early stages. Lower Providence’s zoning does not allow for such a use on the Eagleville Hospital property, so RHD is requesting that township supervisors amend the zoning ordinance to permit it and provide specific regulations for its operation. Answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Lower Providence Township website.
Source: The Reporter; 1/29/2024