|
Stillwell, county leaders make good choice with housing initiative
Commissioners’ Chairman Brian McMahan echoed our thoughts Monday when he said the Scattered Site housing program was the best example he knew of government doing real good for its citizens.
The program, funded through grants county leaders sought two years ago, builds or remodels homes for property owners who qualify – it really is one of those “win-win” situations we’re always hearing about.
It helps property owners who meet income guidelines replace their existing, deteriorating homes with residences that meet all building code requirements. By doing so, said county Manager Ken Westmoreland, the program helps people and it also improves the overall housing situation in Jackson County.
It would also appear that commissioners found the right person to head up the effort. Joan Stillwell was described to us as a “natural,” a “blessing” and “outstanding” with regard to the hard work she’s put in to make this particular government program one that positively impacts local citizens.
Looking at the stacks of records and data she’s accumulated and judging by the long hours she puts in, we’d say she’s all three. Joan really cares about the people she works with and it shows in her commitment to the details and responsibilities of her job.
She seems to understand the difference Scattered Site is making to the people she serves, and she gets emotional about it. Some of the residents the program has helped were in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, and it obviously means a lot to Joan that she’s able to help them move into a better situation.
Yet she’s careful always to shine the spotlight on everyone else – the commissioners and county manager for their support and vision in seeking the funding, county departments for pitching in, volunteers for their dedicated labor – to make sure that everyone gets recognized for their contributions.
She’s right in that regard, too. The project had so much volunteer support that three of the homes were stick-built and cost much less, enabling the program to help more citizens. Costs of the new homes ranged from $43,900 for the ones built by volunteers to $89,000 for the modulars.
Everyone involved in this worthwhile effort is to be commended. It’s one program that has really touched lives.
|
