News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Salvation Army and Genesis House starting the process to partner for transitional housing in Livingston.
The organizations met Tuesday to discuss the next steps in making this project a reality. Outreach Coordinator Luke Eldridge said the first will be to raise funds and raise awareness.
“Genesis House has nothing in Overton County so this might be a good little spot where we can at least help one family at a time,” Eldridge said. “And if it’s successful, people will see it’s successful and then maybe more people will jump on board. We can just start little by little.”
Eldridge said the housing would serve individuals who are coming out of treatment facilities or short-term housing. Eldridge said in his experience, there is a large need in the Upper Cumberland to have this kind of facility available.
Eldridge said the goal is to have at least one apartment ready within the next year. He said they plan on hosting various fundraising events such as Christmas in July or a golf tournament that will also generate conversations about the housing opportunity.
“And most apartments somewhere are $800 to $1200 and you think about getting individuals to partners to do that, and I AM Worship can testify, Genesis House can testify, even myself can testify, it costs so much to put people in a hotel and you don’t get much success out of that,” Eldridge said. “Hotels are $200, $300 a week, so why not do an apartment and you focus on that family? “
