President Chuck introduced the speakers, Denise Rosenstein and Don Yortson of Sun Community Service, recipient of ROCB’s major grant in 2015. Chuck had served on the board of directors for more than 20 years and so was quite familiar with the entity’s programs and operations.
Sun Community Services provides up to 90 days’ transitional housing for individuals suffering from mental illness or addiction issues. It raised a total of $235,000 to renovate its 110 year-old housing facility, including $100,000 from RCOB. The project is now nearly complete and Denise and Don were at the meeting to show us the results of the renovation.
The interior and exterior of the house were painted, the carpet was replaced with vinyl flooring, energy-efficient windows were installed, the kitchen was renovated, outside drainage was repaired, the collapsing front porch columns were fortified, the furnace was replaced and the outdated fire alarm system was replaced.
The kitchen renovation led to some disagreements between Denise and Don, since Don, a commercial baker, wanted an efficient high-tech kitchen, while Denise wanted to encourage a residential feel. The new kitchen is geared toward a residential feel, since the residents prepare their own breakfasts and lunches.
As a result of new insulation and the installation of energy-efficient windows and a new furnace, utility costs for the house have declined substantially. Also the 110 year-old smell has disappeared.
During the renovation they were required to move operations to a motel for 30 days. Due to the entity’s open-door policy, they suspect that they provided meals to a number of individuals hanging around the motel who were not participants in the program.
The speakers expressed great appreciation to RCOB, since they would not have been able to occupy the house for much longer in its dilapidated condition without RCOB’s financial assistance.
The speakers were asked if a waiting list exists for the residential units. Denise said that there are up to 20,000 homeless in Whatcom County and 20% - 30% of them have mental issues. As soon as a bed opens up, it is filled immediately.
They were also asked if the residents provided any sweat equity during the renovation. Denise replied that they utilized Sheriff work crews to move furniture, but did not require residents to participate. Several graduates of the program returned to volunteer to help.
Denise was also asked about the Housing First movement, which focuses on providing housing to homeless individuals as the first action, and then deals with their mental health or addiction issues. She replied that the Francis Place in Bellingham, operated by Catholic Community Services, is the only Housing First facility in Whatcom County.
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