Building Health Inc. asks county for letter backing transit application and 10-unit rental plan

Becky Gray, director of Building Health Inc., told the Crawford County Commission on Nov. 8 that the nonprofit — formed by the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas — seeks a letter supporting its KDOT 5311/5310 application and the transfer of CHC’s existing transportation program to Building Health Inc.

Gray said the organization’s 2023 strategic plan prioritizes increasing affordable housing, addressing homelessness and co‑locating supportive services at an adult education center adjacent to CHC’s administrative building. “Building Health Inc was formed by the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas to be a non profit subsidiary to address what we refer to as the social determinants of health,” Gray said.

Gray described a conditional HOME‑ARP award to create 10 efficiency rental units that would give one‑year leases to people exiting homelessness and prioritize clients already engaged in recovery and diversion court programs. She said part of the HOME‑ARP funding would capitalized into a reserve to subsidize rents for up to 10 years and that staff are negotiating transfer of 10 housing choice vouchers to support those units.

Commissioners asked about zoning, unit sizes and long‑term funding; Gray said she has a $1.5 million philanthropic commitment for the adult education center and outlined a strategy to recycle proceeds from infill home sales and increase reimbursable non‑emergency medical transport to support operations. After discussion, a commissioner moved and another seconded a motion to provide the requested letter of support and staff agreed to furnish an official copy to Building Health Inc. when completed.