House of Grace outlines transitional housing 'Dream Center'; warming center experience cited as proof of need

Brett Tarr, outreach coordinator for House of Grace, presented the nonprofit’s plan to the Ashland City Commission’s homeless committee for a "Dream Center" transitional housing program. Tarr said the organization aims to acquire the adjacent former AEP building and convert it into as many as 80 units across roughly 30,000 square feet, paired with case management and wraparound services provided in partnership with area providers including KDMC, Regroup and Pathways.

Tarr described the church’s recent operation of a temporary warming center during a severe storm, telling the commission the center served about 32–33 people over a nine-day period and that staff and volunteers provided three meals a day and on‑site support. "We had a gentleman who overdosed, and he was Narcan'd. A gentleman knew how to use Narcan, got him back to life. He went to the hospital, came back the same day, and came back and said, I'm going to long term care because I need help," Tarr said, using the warming center experience to underline the program’s potential to connect people to treatment and recovery services.

House of Grace plans a structured residential program of up to two years in length with mandatory participation in services designed to teach living skills, job training and recovery supports. Tarr said the program would not operate as a rehabilitation or mental-health facility but would coordinate closely with medical and behavioral-health partners; he expects 15–20 jobs would be created by the program and said a professional grant writer and attorneys have been engaged to pursue funding and manage transactions.

Commissioners and staff asked clarifying questions about public notice for committee meetings, the committee’s role in the K count (state-organized homeless point-in-time count), and how the Dream Center would fit with other local providers. Several commissioners praised the warming center response and encouraged continued collaboration with Frontier Housing and other partners; one commissioner suggested inviting Frontier Housing to a future work session to discuss models for low-income and work-ready housing.

What’s next: House of Grace reported its board approved moving forward with a purchase contingent on due diligence and environmental site assessments; staff and the commission signaled support for continued coordination, and the committee will continue to work with House of Grace and partner agencies on financing and program design.