The Groundbreaking Ceremony for Villa Serena, a housing complex of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS), took place on August 4, 2010. This new housing development will provide housing for low-income people with persistent mental illness in Chico, CA. It is funded by The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Chico. NVCSS is collaborating with local organizations to see the project through. Plans for the project were produced by Larry Mayer of Mayers Architecture. The complex will consist of ten units: nine 1 bedroom units and one 2 bedroom managers’ unit. Villa Serena is designed to be two stories with an energy efficient design and an outdoor community area. Sunseri Construction is the contractor for the new development and construction is in progress. The Butte County Director, Bob Michels, is thrilled about the new project and says, "Villa Serena will have a lasting impact in Butte County in that it will provide much needed affordable housing for people with persistent mental illness.”
The community anticipates that Villa Serena will improve lives down the road just as similar developments have. For instance, Kevin Jones (name changed to protect confidentiality), a tenant of Saint Clare Court (a NVCSS housing project), states living there is helping him regain his confidence as a young entrepreneur. Jones is happy to be a part of something that does a lot in the North State. Before his current situation his life was unstable; Jones lost his job as an architect and funds were drying up due to his mental health issues. His family knew he was struggling and encouraged him to apply to live at Saint Clare Court. He did and says it was the best move he made in a long time. Everything for Jones is clear and consistent which is what he needs. There is a new spring in his step; Jones plans to get back on track and feel the energy of meeting new people. He feels blessed with the opportunity given to him and wishes to help NVCSS with future endeavors.
Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS) Housing Program provides housing opportunities for special needs populations including seniors, low-income or homeless individuals and families, individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness. The NVCSS goal is to promote supportive services within an environment that will contribute to the ability of residents to lead independent lives. NVCSS believes that programs benefit people only when they contribute to the individual’s freedom and independence.
For more information about the NVCSS Housing Program please contact Housing Director, Bobbi Sawtelle, at 530-241-0552.
