Washoe County Human Services Agency Opens Our Place
Unlocking a better tomorrow for Washoe County’s most vulnerable children, women and families.
Media Release
For Immediate Release
www.washoecounty.us
Contact: Chris Ciarlo
Cciarlo@washoecounty.us
775-337-4500
Reno, Nev. June 17, 2020. The Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) officially opened the doors to Our Place June 8, 2020. The new facility in Sparks will support hundreds of Washoe County’s homeless women, children and families in the area.
HSA partnered with the State of Nevada’s Department of Health and Human Services to renovate existing buildings at the Northern Nevada Mental Health campus to better serve individuals experiencing homelessness in our area. Our Place separates populations, with the goal of reducing assault, human trafficking, and property theft.
“Our Place is not a solution to those experiencing homelessness. Our Place is a foundational milestone to offer support and resources to help our neighbors access intensive case management to unlock a better tomorrow,” said HSA Director Amber Howell.
Our Place will help achieve one of the County Commission’s most important priorities, which is to provide a safe, secure and healthy community, for not only those experiencing homelessness, but each person who calls Washoe County home.
In addition to housing, Our Place will provide clients with the following:
- Mental health and substance abuse resources.
- Reduction of jail admission/emergency room visits.
- Prevention of foster care placements and preservation of families.
- Employment and educational opportunities.
Background
The $20 million Our Place project is funded and approved by the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners. The Washoe County Community Services Department assisted in managing the planning, design, permitting, construction and post-occupancy phases of development. HSA has project oversight, establishes program infrastructure, as well as manages and operates Our Place.
Our Place Housing Capacity Numbers to Know
- Women’s Shelter: From 50 to 114
- New Family & Maternity Shelter: 102
- Child Care Center: From 42 to 85
For more information, head to Our Place website and review the Our Place brochure.
New Our Place video for media use.
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