Remodeled, renamed Fortress facility in Fremont to aid homeless, mental health needs
FREMONT ― Birchard Place, formerly known as The Fortress, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand reopening of its revamped facility.
Birchard Place and its staff plan to welcome the first residents Feb. 1. The facility has already compiled a roster of individuals who will stay there.
Building has been transformed
The transformation took nearly a year to complete, resulting in a space that now accommodates 10 beds for the homeless shelter on the ground floor and 16 beds upstairs for individuals seeking mental health support.
Under the guidance of Regional Director Brady Kreider, Birchard Place undertook a significant remodeling project to create a warm and welcoming environment for those in need. The vision was to establish a comprehensive support system that recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
“To ensure the well-being of the homeless, we have introduced a 90-day program exclusively for men,” Kreider said. “By initially conducting drug tests and background checks, the shelter aims to ensure a safe and secure environment to all residents, and applicants are required to get on Medicaid for their health, seek assistance from the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, possess food stamps, and maintain a minimum of $1,200 in their bank accounts. This helps them get back on their feet.”
Birchard Place will help those who need proper documentation and equip them with the resources necessary to obtain a driver's license, Social Security card and birth certificate. These documents are crucial to employment opportunities, healthcare services and other support systems.
NHO has buildings in Tiffin and Fostoria as well
“This will be the first shelter in Fremont that we have,” said Scott Boone, CEO of New Housing Ohio (NHO) building communities. “We have six in Tiffin and one in Fostoria that just opened, so we plan on expanding. This helps the community and the homeless.”
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The 16 upstairs beds cater specifically to those seeking mental health support, offering a sanctuary where individuals can access therapeutic services, counseling, and a nurturing environment.
“With a full kitchen, we can teach them how to cook or they can cook or watch someone cook,” Kreider said. “This also gives the family a sense of ease, that they are in a safe place, we have a TV room, kitchen and a laundry room. This gives them a feeling of home. It will host those nonviolent conditions like bipolar, schizophrenic and other mental issues. We will make sure they take their medication, and we have 24-hour cameras to watch the building to make sure everyone is safe.”
The Birchard staff works around the clock. Trained staff members are equipped to create personalized care plans, provide counseling and guide residents through their journey toward stability and independence.
“Most of our financial support is donations, grants, and other organizations,” said Taylor Alsip, human resource manager of NHO building communities. “For example, we can get cleaning products, bathroom products and other things that can be donated. We do a lot of letter writing, but it works and supports the funding.”
Other financial support was provided by provided by 1st National Bank, FHLB Cincinnati, the Finance fund, the Mental Health and Recovery Service Board, NHO building communities and others.
For information, visit www.newhousingohio.org.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Fremont OH welcomes Birchard Place for homeless, mental health support
