Part of homeless solution in Dallas may be EVERgreen Residences

by Pat Spradley of Street Zine

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The proposed complex will be attractive quality constructed housing that will meet the needs of 100 persons.

How do homeless people stop being homeless? The answer that representatives of EVERgreen Residences gave at an informational meeting on May 10 at the Murray Street Coffee Shop was: Build permanent, sustainable, and environmentally forward housing that provides stability and responds to the community in which it is placed.

EVERgreen Residences is a partnership between Graham Greene, an architect known for building two of Dallas's most successful supportive housing projects and First Presbyterian Church/The Stewpot. EVERgreen Residences would be located at 3800 Willow, which is in Deep Ellum, and due to rumors and misinformation, some of its future neighbors have branded the project a shelter. According to Rev. Bruce A. Buchanan, executive director of The Stewpot, "Far from being an emergency or transitional shelter, permanent supportive housing is truly a home for people." He gestured toward the proposed plans and architectural renderings for EVERgreen Residences and said, "When a housing community is established in a community, it takes on and absorbs some of the characteristics and 'personality' of the larger community. It could be said that communities feed each other in positive ways. Evergreen Management Model includes multiple opportunities and structures for that two-way communication and contribution to take place within the larger setting. It cultivates inclusiveness."

According to its representatives who were at the meeting at the coffee house, the complex will be attractive quality constructed housing that will meet the needs of 100 persons who otherwise have neither the personal resources nor opportunity for housing. Many EVERgreen Residents may live with the after-effects of long-term abuse and suffer from mental and physical health problems. In areas across the country, providing permanent long term supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals has proven to be a safe, cost effective, and sustainable solution to the housing needs of the least fortunate and beneficial to the neighborhoods in which they have become a part.

The project is planned to pursue LEED "Platinum" Certification, which will serve to minimize maintenance expense and operate at a high level of efficiently for decades to come. Each of the 100 living spaces in the building are designed with 325-350 square feet, including a sitting area, bathroom, bed, desk, storage, and seating. Shared kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities will be dispersed throughout the building, each serving approximately 16 units. The ground level will include visitor lobby, onsite management office and community spaces. An on-site outdoor recreation area will be contained by the exterior building mass.

Rev. Buchanan also referred to the unique history of the community and the proposed site for the EVERgreen Residences. "The WPA Dallas Guide and History refers to Deep Ellum as 'Harlem in Miniature.' The authors recognized the dynamic nature of this community; so do we as developers of this housing. Equally important, 3800 Willow was known as the torpedo factory of John Mitchell. John Mitchell was one of the most influential and inspiring lay teachers and leaders of First Presbyterian Church during the 1930 and 1940s. Students of that time whose faith was shaped by his teaching and example of his faithful living went into the world to live the Christian message of inclusiveness. His torpedo factory, formerly a cotton gin manufacturing factory, is a link with a vibrant past and a portal to a promising future. The history of the site, informs and enriches our understanding as community builders."

Buchanan concluded by saying, "The long-term management plan and proposed contribution of EVERgreen to Expo Park would be as a neighborhood resource for cultural activities and meetings, which would enrich everyone's lives. Plans include a gallery space where individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds would have the opportunity to exhibit their artistic talents. Representatives propose that cultivating these kinds of creative opportunities -- with a good dose of social justice -- will add vitality to the neighborhood."

Pegasus News Content partner - Street Zine