Boyle County homeless coalition outlines 'NewGround' long‑term temporary housing plan for South Bloom Street site

The Boyle County Homeless Coalition and Family Services Association on Tuesday described NewGround, a proposed supportive‑housing project they say would offer long‑term temporary housing and wraparound case management for people and small families experiencing homelessness.

Coalition leaders told the Boyle County Fiscal Court the project would be located on Family Services Association property at 447 South Bloom Street and that the group will seek a rezoning of the parcel from R‑2 to Central Business (CB) to align with the county’s future land‑use map and reduce transportation barriers to services.

“NewGround provides a supportive residential community,” Michelle Marble of Family Services Association said. “Its mission is to offer a secure and stable living environment for individuals and small families experiencing homelessness as they actively are pursuing self sustainability.”

The coalition outlined a three‑phase concept that would start with units for single parents with children, then add one‑bedroom units for individuals, and later expand after officials assess demand. Organizers showed a sketch of 20‑by‑20 modular units intended for Phase 1; they said the model emphasizes communal living, mandatory participation in services and a time‑limited stay intended to help residents move to permanent housing.

“Part of that rent would then be held for them so that when they are ready to graduate out of NewGround, they would have either deposit or down payment so they can have their own housing facility,” Marble said. Coalition materials provided to the court said stays could last up to two years in some cases while residents complete education, training or stabilize employment.

Coalition members said NewGround is not a drop‑in shelter: their draft program handbook calls it a commitment with a selection process prioritizing people actively seeking self‑sufficiency. The coalition also said it has submitted grant applications, gathered letters of support and will fundraising as a 501(c)(3).

Magistrates and staff pressed the presenters on capacity, utilities and zoning. “One acre is basically a hundred by 400. That’s very small. What’s your anticipated total count of units?” Magistrate Tom Ellis asked. Coalition members replied they initially expect three to four units per phase, with phase 1 focused on single parents and children, and that a city engineer had reviewed utilities for the site.

County staff and the group told the court NewGround intends to present to the Danville/Boyle County Planning & Zoning Commission at a meeting scheduled for June 10; presenters asked the court and public to attend. Julie Wagner, county staff, confirmed the planning commission meeting time and said the city will handle final zoning recommendations.

Court members praised the coalition’s organizing work and emphasized case management and partnerships with churches and existing providers. No formal court action was taken Tuesday; the presentation was listed as informational and the coalition will pursue zoning and permitting through the official planning process.

Organizers asked neighbors and community groups to review the draft handbook and attend the June 10 planning and zoning hearing; they also invited court members to follow up in smaller working meetings to address questions about site layout, utilities and the program’s operational rules.