Thanks to receiving a Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $250,000, Heartland Independent
Living Center (HILC) will be able to expand its services to the community. The
grant, awarded by The Missouri Department of Economic Development, is offered
to small communities to improve local facilities. HILC will use the CDBG funds
to renovate its main office building in Owensville which will result in a greater
capacity for growth.
“As the grant sponsor for Heartland, I would like to congratulate them on a job well-done,” states Owensville City Administrator John Tracy. “For over ten years now they have been consistent in providing services for our disabled and elderly,” continued Tracy, “and we are proud to back them in this expansion endeavor.”
The construction process, which will occur in three continual phases, is anticipated to begin in early 2014. CDBG funding will provide approximately one third the resources required for the entire renovation. HILC administration will be consulting lending institutions to secure financing needed complete the venture.
During his recent Flapjack Tour, State Senator Mike Kehoe stopped by Heartland
Independent Living Center to congratulate the Center on their receipt of a 2013
Community Development Block Grant. HILC
Executive Director Pat Chambers points out proposed renovations to the
unfinished portion of the HILC facility during the Senator’s tour of the building.
The HILC facility was
originally a lumber yard, adapted into office space in 2003. The south portion of the building is predominantly
unfinished. According to Executive
Director Pat Chambers, multiple problems have surfaced due to structural
issues. Chambers cites plumbing and
drainage inadequacies, a poor electrical system, heating and cooling
deficiencies, and roof leakages which have resulted in mold accumulation. Additionally,
current finished office space is at its capacity for staff. Renovation will allow expansion of staff and
services with proper utilization of the entire building.
Chambers and his staff are
excited to see the realization of this long-anticipated project. In addition to increased office space, plans
call for the addition of a display room for adaptive equipment, a low-vision
center, an interactive display area for adaptive telephones and Internet
software, a construction workshop, and a multi-purpose room. The large multi-purpose room will allow HILC
to provide numerous programs in partnership with community human and social
services partners. The HILC Community
Resource Center is slated to provide services supporting better health and life
skills, empowering area residents and enabling true independent living.
Considered to be an extremely
competitive grant, 14 applications for community facilities were received by
the Missouri Department of Economic Development in 2013. HILC is one of only five recipients. The HILC application was compiled by Resource
Development Coordinator Tiffany Reid, with collaboration from Meramec Regional
Planning Commission (MRPC) Project Development Manager Kelly Sink-Blair.
“We would like to thank Kelly
Sink-Blair for her efforts,” says Chambers.
“We are fortunate to have an agency as reputable and knowledgeable as
MRPC in our area.” MRPC will also
administer the grant.
“Obviously we are very
pleased with the outcome of this grant application,” said Sink-Blair. “We look forward to working with Heartland
through the administration of the grant, and to seeing the benefit it will bring
to their clientele and community.”
HILC is also grateful to Senator
Mike Kehoe, Representative Dave Schatz, Gasconade County Health Department
Administrator Sara Michie, and Franklin County Hunger Task Force Representative
Loetta Blair who provided letters of support to the Missouri Department of
Economic Development.
Heartland Independent Living
Center (HILC) is a nonprofit, nonresidential, community based organization
serving individuals with disabilities in east central Missouri. HILC holds the Better Business Bureau’s
Charity Seal. HILC offers free services
to assist people to live independently in their own homes, including advocacy,
information & referral, independent living skills training, ramps and home
modifications, nursing home transition, adaptive equipment, and dental services. For more information on available services,
contact HILC toll-free at 866-322-3224.