HOME Application_Michelle MihalakisTHE CITY OF Dubuque
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Michelle Mihalakis Single Room Occupancy Housing Request
DATE: November 27, 2007
Housing and Community Development Department Director David Harris is
recommending approval of a request from Michelle Mihalakis for City support of an Iowa
Department of Economic Development HOME Program funding application for an
18-room single room occupancy project for low income women to be located at 2160
Elm Street.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
~~ ~G
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department Director
TYIE CTFY OF /"
DUB ~
It~c~sterpiece on tihe Mississippi
26 November 07
-MEMORANDUM
To: Michael ~ Milligen, City Manager
From: David rris, Housing and Community Development Department
Re: Michelle Mihalakis SRO housing request
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to request the City Council's approval of the
attached resolution, endorsing the application of Michelle Mihalakis to the Iowa
Department of Economic Development (IDED) for HOME Program funding for
Salvia House.
Background
Michelle opened the Manasseh House SRO at 2080 Elm Street, as a 19-room
facility for homeless women, in Sep#ember. She received a $680 000 HOME
Program grant from IDED for construction and another operational grant from
HUD's Supported Housing Program, for staffing. The Council approved asite-
specific urban revitalization district, allowing her to construct a new building on
the site of the former Faith Apostolic Church. Manasseh House currently is
occupied by eleven women.
In March of this year, the Council approved an expanded Washington
Neighborhood Urban Revitalization District, to include the full boundaries of the
neighborhood. Because the Manasseh House site was already established as a
stand-alone district, it was excluded from the expanded Washington district.
Discussion
Michelle now intends to construct a second SRO, to be named Salvia House; this
will be located at 2160 Elm and will require demolition of a dilapidated home. It
has also required a rezoning, to OR designation. Her clientele for this 18-room
facility will be low-income women. They will not be required to be homeless,
although many are expected to be. She will again apply to IDED for HOME funds
to build the SRO. This application requires the Council's endorsement.
Michelle has also requested designation of 2160 Elm Street as asite-specific
urban revitalization district. As it is already within the Washington Neighborhood
District, it would have to be removed from that district, then re-established as a
stand-alone district. This is because the existing Washington District allows the
tax abatement only for improvements to existing structures; demolition and new
construction are not eligible activities.
Alternatively, the Council can approve an amendment to the existing district
ordinance, to allow demolition and new construction as eligible activities. Either
will require notification to all 1200 property owners within the district, a public
hearing before the Council and a 30=day comment period.
Need
Because Manasseh House is operating at just over half capacity (after only three
months from opening), Michelle was asked to provide documentation of the need
for additional SRO housing. Her letter is attached. She confidently projects full
occupancy by next March. The projected Salvia House opening is in July 2009.
For these reasons and others referenced in her letter, Michelle makes the case
for the need for this new project. Other letters of support are also attached.
Recommendation
As approval of the funding application to the Department of Economic
Development, for HOME funds, is a threshold requirement, Ms Mihalakis is
asking for the City Council's endorsement at this time. 1=or this reason, my
recommendation is to approve the attached resolution of support.
The applicant further requests that the site be approved as asite-specific urban
revitalization district, in order to assist with operational costs. This approval,
should it ultimately be granted by the Council, is not required for IDED's
consideration of the application at this time.
aft
RESOLUTION NO 585-07
A resolution supporting an application from Michelle Mihalakis to the
Iowa Department of Economic Development for HOME Investment
Partnership (HOME) Program funds
Whereas, Michelle Mihalakis has prepared an application to IDED for
HOME Program funds to assist in construction of single room occupancy housing
for lower-income women, to be named Salvia House; and
Whereas, this housing and the associated supported services intended to
be provided by the applicant are needed to assist this population.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. The City is supportive of the application from Michelle
Mihalakis for HOME Program assistance from the Iowa Department of Economic
Development.
Passed, approved and adopted this 3rd day of December, 2007.
Buol, Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F Schneider, CMC
City Clerk
Sa.~-i%u.~fo~.~i, Ltdi
~1~c~~T~~i~u'a~Cr~ ,ai~'e~u~~
2 54 5 Jacrc~o-w Stv~eet
't~~r~cyu.~i If[ 52001
563-599-2980 (c~phov~)
November 26, 2,007
Mr. David Harris
Housing and Community Development
Historic Federal Building
Dubuque, IA 52004
Dear David:
Per your request, I am writing to show our need to receive approval to apply for HOME
funds, to have 2160 Elm Street deemed an urban revitalization district u1 order for us to
receive aten-year tax abatement, aild to gain approval for a rezoning of the property. The
needs are as follows:
1. Currently, we have 11 women residing at Manasseh House, six of whom were
previously homeless.
2. Nine of the 11 women residing at Manasseh House have incomes that are below
30% of the median income, while the other two have incomes that are between
35-50% of the median income. On our 2005 HOME application we estimated that
40% of our project's population would be at the 30% median income or less, and
we have found this to be true. We now think that after constructing one building
and reaching 50% capacity in five months, there is a need for more SIZO housing.
Additionally, three of the 11 are disabled.
3. Since the first day of operation we have received many calls weekly from ladies
wanting to live at Manasseh House, but have accepted two to three per month. At
the current rate of occupancy, we expect Manasseh House to be full on or before
March 1, 2008.
4. The proposed project, Salvia House would begin construction in August 2008 and
be finished in July 2009. By this time, we expect to have a waiting list to begin
occupancy.
5. The 2006 Point in Time survey shows 64 women were deemed homeless on any
particular day.
6. The reason I approached the Housing Commission for preference points status is
there are ladies coming to me with the inability to pay rent and we depend upon
the rentals to make our project financially sustainable. The ladies we serve are
poor and in desperate need of rental assistance. To give housing to a lady living at
Manasseh House makes much more economic sense than placing single ladies in
one bedroom apartments that cost the City more money and don't include
supportive services.
7. At Manasseh House we help ladies fmd emplayment, but many of our ladies have
two jobs because one low-paying job is not enough. Even with two jobs, they are
still well below the 50% median income level.
Enclosed are support letters for the project from other social service pxoviders. I believe I
will fill another building as I believe the need for another SRO for women exists.
Sincerely,
Ib1i~c~lle Mihalaki~s . °`
~ ~ _ ~ - w
it 1 ~ ~,
Mental Health America
of Dubuque County
P.O. Box 283
Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0283
info(a~mhadbg.orq
October 15, 2007
To'JUhom it may concern,
I am writing to support the proposed 18unit SRO project at 21fi0 Elm St. This is a one of a kind
project which would help in meeting the housing needs of single women with mental illness..
Housing becomes a particular problem fer this group, many of whom ,are on Federal Social Security
Benefits with very limited income for housing. Dr. Juliann Davis, former clinical Director of the Hillcrest
Mental Health Center, estimated that 45% of the current clinics! case load were on Title 19 insurance
benefits. Our Envision Committee has identified three major issues confronting those with mental
health and substance abuse problems which are access to services, housing ,and transportation.
The proposed project would be a big step in meeting the need far housing.
Michelle's development of the Manasseh House clearly demonstrates her capacity to create
affordable housing for homeless single women. Her neighbors have accepted the project together
with the landscaping which enhances the appearance of the neighborhood. She is also concerned to
develop neighborhood employment opportunities for these women.
It is a distinct privilege for me to recommend this project to you for further consideration.
Sincerely,
John Curtis, Chair, Envision Committee on Mental Heatth and Substance Abuse, President, Mental
Health America of Dubuque County
Chester J. Culver, Governor
Patty Judge, Lt. Governor
Elisabeth Buck, Director
~oveinber 2 ~ , 2®07
Salvia House, Ltd..
2545 Jackson Stmt
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
To whom it may concern:
n.
C~E~~ELQP~ENT
Smart. Results.
Iowa Workforce Development Center supported the Manasseh House SID project at 2080 El;fn
Street in Dubuque, Iowa. Manasseh House residents have utilized our center and services on-line
and by stopping by for assistance in fording employment.
The Iowa Workforce Development Center strongly supports the new Salvia House project
proposed to be built at 2160 Elm Street, Dubuque, Iowa. We personally see the need for help and
empowerment concerning single women in our community.
It is our privilege to promote this worthwhile project.
Sincerely,
i
-~1' ' /
Eileen Le May
Manager
Iowa Workforce Development Center
^Decorah - 1 111 Paine St, Suite G • Decorah IA 52101 • 563-382-0457 • 1- 866-520-8986 Fax 563-387-0905
ODubuque - 590 Iowa St • Dubuque IA 52001 • 563-556-5800 • 1- $66-227-9874 Fax 563-556-0154
OManchester - 233 W Main • Manchester lA 52057 • 563-927-4447 Fax 563-927-6534
^New Hampton - 951 N Linn Ave, Suite 4 • New Hampton IA 50659 • 64i-394-4649 Fax 641-395-6909
^Oelwein - 400 S Frederick Ave • Oelwein IA 50662 • 319-283-275 Fax 319-283-2436
region l .web@iwd.iowa.gov or www.iowaworkforce.org/region 1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Hearing Impaired call 711
November 7, 200?
To Whom It 1blay Concern:
I am writing this to show my support for the Salvia House. It has been my experience that
Michelle Mihlakas and her staff at the Manasseh House have already proven the need for
SRO units in our community for woman.
They have also built a facility that is in my opinion one of the best facilities I have seen.
The Salvia House will address the needs of some of the woman in our community that are
not having their housing needs met.
Michele is not only offering them a place to stay but she is offering them a chance at a
new life. Michele and her staff have proven they are able to get things done and help
woman get the help they need.
I would support her effort in opening another facility and I do believe there is a need for
it in our community. I strongly believe that Michele and her staff have made a difference
in the lives of the woman they are currently serving.
Thank you for time and consideration.
Sincerely,
~---
Tammy e
Dubuque County
General Assistance Caseworker
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
PROGRAM
24 Nour Crisis Line
(563) 556-1100
November 1, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
Dubuque~~1V~'
~~ Community
Y
DCY Domestic Violence Program
P.O. Box 1301
Dubuque, Iowa 52004-1301
Toll Free: 800-332-5899
Phone: (563)588-0048
Fax: (563) 583-5951
Michelle Mihafakis has begun the lengthily process of building a second SRO
facility in Dubuque that will be called "Salvia House." This is an exciting
undertaking from the viewpcaint of the Dubuque Community Y Domestic Violence
Program, Salvia House will target a homeless population that is currently being
ignored in Dubuque as well as provide services that the typical social services
agencies do not know how to deal with.
The Domestic Violence Program typically works with over 80 homeless women
each year. The shelter we operate is exclusively for domestic violence victims
who are in a crisis situation and their safety is seriously in jeopardy. While
victims stay in our New Beginnings Shelter they are provided the security and
safety they need in addition to the services they require to stabilize their lives
and move into living situations that are violence free, Unfortunately the
Domestic Violence Program operates a very small shelter and cannot house
victims for more than 60 days.
When victims have fled their abuser with only the clothes they are wearing, it all
too often will take much longer than these 60 days to help establish them in a
new community/location. Unfortunately because Dubuque does not- have
adequate housing for single women, the Domestic Violence Program finds that
most of these women are then forced to return to their victims. At the same
time, when the Domestic Violence Program has been able to work with facilities
such as the Manasseh House (the first SRO facility built under the direction of
Ms. Mihafakis) 90°l0 or more of victims go on to strongly establish themselves,
start a new, violence-free life, and never return to their abusers.
These astounding results owe their success rate to the fact that Manasseh House
offers not only a home for someone who is homeless, but support services to
assist them through the continued maze they encounter trying to take back the
control of their own lives. Further, victims who have such an SRO available for
24 Hour Shelter Lldvocacy Services • Counseling • Support Groups
housing tend to continue working with the Domestic Violence Program staff and
consequently become in a year or less, productive members of our community.
The Domestic Violence Program believes that the Dubuque community needs
more such SRO options for single women. Salvia douse will offer not only a
home for homeless women, but also the support systems that will enable them
to grow, mature and thrive in the community, Salvia House is certainly posed to
meet not only, then, the community's short fall of locations far homeless women
to five in safety, but actually will revent homelessness from reoccurring in these
lives by providing services that empower single women to be stronger, wiser and
more capable of living successfully and productively in their eommunity.
The Domestic Violence Program wholeheartedly applauds the plan for Salvia
House and looks forv~rard to its establishment. Please feel free to contact me for
mare information regarding the need for this facility.
Sincerely,
/~ ~~ ~.~-
Sister Charla Bulko
Director
^
..
C~
Connecting people to services
17$9 Elm #B ** Dubuque, IA 52001 ** Ph: 563-588-3980 Fax: 563-588-3982
ww~v.proiect-concern.ortr ~~` email: execdirector(c~proLt-concem.or~
Nov. 2, 2007
To Whom It May Concern:
Project Concern enthusiastically lends our support to Ms. Michelle Mihalakis in her efforts to
have an 18 room single occupancy Salvia House for women.
As the Point of Entry for homeless individuals and families in Dubuque, Project Concern is
dedicated to assisting persons and connecting those in need with the appropriate services in the
Dubuque area. Project Concern receives many calls from single women in the Dubuque area
looking for permanent housing. Many of these women would benefit from the safety and
affordability a Single Room Occupancy for women would offer.
At Project Concern, we have seen a large influx of homeless individuals coming to out
community to make a better life for themselves and their families. Single women face unique
challenges upon arriving in Dubuque. Many of these women need safe, structured and
supportive programs to make a better life for themselves. Unfortunately, the services available
in Dubuque are limited. Michelle has offered a proactive solution to provide permanent housing
and homeless services.
Michelle has a strong vision of how her services could help many women in our community.
Michelle is actively working with the Homeless Advisory Board to ensure that the services she
offers are needed and appropriate. Michelle plans to partner with agencies to give her tenants
access to services ranging from counseling to transportation. She has a plan to balance
compassion and structure while empowering each person.
As partners in the delivery of services to homeless persons, we at Project Concern look forward
to working with Michelle Mihalakis to expend the services available for single women in
Dubuque.
Sincerely,
~~~ ~
Nancy Lewis
Executive Director
VNA
~~A Subsidiary of Finley Tri-States Health Group, /ac. ~~
October 30, 2007
To Whom It May Concern
Re: Letter of Support for Salvia House
The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is committed to and supports the housing project,
Salvia House. The women who will be Living in this facility will be able to contact the
VNA for services. The VNA will collaborate with Salvia House to meet the needs of
their residents. With the number of poor and homeless women in Dubuque, the need for
this housing project is very apparent. VNA case managers can be contacted at any time
by Salvia House staff to assess their resident's needs and develop a plan to meet those
needs.
The Visiting Nurse Association is pleased to be a partner with Salvia House and is
looking forward to completion of the project so that we can help serve their residents.
Respect 1C~-~/
Nan Colin
Administrative Director
1454 Iowa Street • P.O. Box 359 • Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0359 (563) 556-6200
~~ DUBUQUE COUNTY COMMISSION OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Suite 350 Nesler Centre 799 Main Street • Dubuque, Iowa 52001 ,~
Phone (563) 589-7840 ~~'~
Fax (563) 589-7861
Executive Director E-Mail: dubvetdesk@dbeco.org Commissioners
CHARLES BRIMEYER EUGENE SIEGERT
Administrative Assistant GARLAND FINDLEY
MICHELLE FITZGIBBONS SHARON TRENHOLM
Benefits Counselor
DENNIS AVENARIUS
November 21, 2007
To Whom It May Concern;
On behalf of the Dubuque County Commission of Veterans Affairs I am writing in support for the
Sylvia House. The Sylvia House is much needed to assist homeless women veterans. Current
statistics show where one in four of homeless population are veterans with the number growing.
The Sylvia House will be able to assist the homeless women veterans with transition back into
society and be a "safe" environment for them. With all that the Sylvia House offers along with the
VA support, women veterans will be able to gain their independence and freedom from a
undesirable life to one of hope and fulfilment.
Thank you for your consideration for the Sylvia House.
(;harles 13rim~yer, Ex ive Director
Dubuque County Co fission of Veterans Affairs