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Mid Plains asks Hall County to consider donating or selling building to unlock $5 million in matching funds for crisis‑stabilization expansion
Summary
Mid Plains Center asked the Hall County board to consider a building transfer or letter of intent so the nonprofit can match grant funds and expand its crisis stabilization unit from 12 to 24 beds; the state grant window runs July 1–August 1, with awards expected September 1.
Chase, introduced by county staff as a representative of Mid Plains Center, told the Hall County Board of Equalization that the nonprofit operates the only crisis stabilization unit (CSU) in the state and wants to expand services to meet rising demand.
Chase said the state opened a grant process July 1 to expand rural crisis stabilization capacity and that Mid Plains had prepared proposals and potential fundraising matches. He said an in‑kind donation or a sale of the county‑leased building would allow Mid Plains to provide a 10% match and unlock additional philanthropic matching and grant eligibility. "An in kind donation if the county would consider donating the building to Mid Plains that would actually allow us to match up to $5,000,000 towards this new facility," Chase said.
Chase described pressing operational need: "Just today, all 12 of our beds are full," and outlined the grant timing: "The grant opened July 1. It closes August 1, and the award's gonna be made September 1." He said Mid Plains is preparing to increase medication‑assisted treatment through its outpatient clinic and hopes to expand detox and youth crisis services as well.
Board members asked about ownership history, insurance and potential liability; staff said the county currently leases the building for $100 a year and pays building insurance. The board agreed it would need legal and ownership documents before deciding whether a donation or sale is feasible. County staff and Mid Plains agreed to gather records and return to the board (the regular county board meeting on Aug. 20 was mentioned) or call a special meeting given the narrow grant window.
Mid Plains said it already has community and foundation support (a $100,000 grant from the Sherwood Foundation and outreach to larger funders) and that Hall County Housing has indicated a willingness to pursue purchase options for the parcel the organization occupies. Board members requested that the county attorney and Hall County Housing help clarify ownership and any restrictions before the board could act.
If the county and Mid Plains can resolve title and liability questions quickly, the transfer or sale could allow a significant external match and a rapid expansion of local crisis stabilization capacity.
