821 Flats
According to federal data, over 1,000 men, women, and children are experiencing homelessness each night in Hamilton County. The need for low-income, affordable housing is extreme in Cincinnati. There is a shortage of roughly 30,000 permanent housing units. As if the stakes were not high enough already, an average of one-third of the homeless population in Cincinnati report to also be suffering from a mental illness.
Tender Mercies is a very unique organization in the sense that it does not only help to provide safe, affordable housing for homeless individuals, but they also provide on-site health services and case management. Tender Mercies promotes transformation, independence, and accountability in individuals who, without help, might have lost all hope. “Mental illness and homelessness can affect anyone at any time, even those with steady jobs, homes, and cars. Providing people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible along with supportive services to foster self -sufficiency is the key to ending the cycle,” says Russel Winters, CEO of Tender Mercies.
821 Flats is a 57-unit permanent housing project that opened its doors on January 22, 2020. This three-story structure will include 53 efficiency units, 4 one-bedroom units, a laundry room, a dining room, a courtyard, 24/7 security and front door staff, and 2 case management offices. This project is so important because it expanded the capacity of Tender Mercies by 27%. With the completion of 821 Flats, the organization can now serve up to 210 individuals annually. RiverHills Bank is excited to have been able to play a role in moving one step closer to ending homelessness in Cincinnati. We would like to recognize and thank the amazing organizations that collaborated with Tender Mercies and brought this project to life including Over-the-Rhine Community Housing, Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services, City of Cincinnati, and many others.
Check out the images below from the Grand Opening to see the completed units and a video of our President, Brian Dunlap, speak a little about why Affordable Housing is so important to RiverHills Bank!
