By Paul Schreiner

Originally built to house what was to become HealthLinc, Neighbors Place is an apartment building housing 18 low-income women. Very affordable, the women are provided with all utilities, free TV, free WiFi, two laundry areas, and a 3000 square foot, grade level common room. Their individual apartments on two upper floors are under 300 square feet with a full bath and kitchenette.

In addition to the residential units, Project Neighbors (the building owner) has its business office and director’s office located on the same level as the common room. Recently, WVLP 103.1 FM, the community radio station licensed to Neighbors Corp (Project Neighbors), moved their studios into three small rooms adjacent to the common room.

So, while a group of ladies will be chatting around a game table or doing laundry in the lower level, the PN office manager or the director will greet them, or radio show hosts will come to do a live broadcast. There is a sense of vibrancy in the building which, as I have observed, is appreciated by the tenants.

Two doors at Neighbors Place welcoming their residents home

This past year, we formed a tenant council. Consisting of six residents and the PN Director, complaints, needs, suggestions are discussed in an informal setting. The council addresses safety concerns, opportunities for social activities, status of the Neighbors Place community garden, and anything else on their collective mind. To quote one tenant, “I have found my sanctuary; my safe place for the last six years. It has been my good fortune to be a resident of Neighbors Place. Independence is important physically and emotionally and living here allows me to feel more connected to my community. My morale is uplifted and I am grateful for the people who made this a reality for me.”