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Nonprofit asks Northampton County to allow special‑use review for modular supportive housing
Summary
Sisters Haven, a local nonprofit, asked commissioners to let it apply for a special‑use permit after repeated zoning denials for modular dormitory units intended as two‑year supportive housing for women.
Cassandra Person, founder and executive director of Sisters Haven Inc., told the board she is seeking county approval to pursue a special‑use permit after multiple denials by zoning and planning despite submitting documentation showing the proposed modular dormitories meet commercial building, fire and ADA standards.
"Sisters Haven was created to meet a critical need in Northampton County — safe, structured and supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness, crises or reentry challenges," Person said. She described the proposal as a permanent, code‑compliant installation of modular R‑2 units with fire alarms, smoke detectors and ADA accessibility, and said the program is a two‑year pathway to stability.
Person said prior approval in 2023 allowed other modular structures on the same acreage but current applications have been denied and that the denials place the project and prospective residents at risk. She formally requested that the board allow Sisters Haven to apply for and be considered for a special use permit so the county can evaluate the project's merits rather than relying on a narrow zoning interpretation.
Chair Martin said the board would "look into what processes are involved." No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff and the board indicated they would review applicable procedures and zoning constraints before any regulatory or permitting decision.
