Grant helps nonprofit group house special-needs population

A nonprofit organization dedicated to housing people with special needs is at the forefront of growing demand in the area.

In its 25th year of operation, Valley Residential Services has helped put safe, affordable roofs over the heads of individuals and families who have physical or mental disabilities, are homeless, seniors, or simply in need of affordable housing. VRS President and CEO John Weaver has overseen extensive demand-driven growth in the 18-plus years he’s been with the organization.

When he started, the organization had about 100 housing units in its inventory. By the end of this year, that number will be closer to 600 units, Weaver said. But even that won’t keep pace with demand.

“The Valley is fast-growing,” he said, “But the need is greater than the inventory.”

A recent $350,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation is helping to fill that need. It is being put to use at the new Breezy Meadows development on Scott Road in Palmer.

Described as “workforce housing” by Weaver, Breezy Meadows is designed for working individuals and families with low-wage jobs. Sixteen units are expected to be finished this summer, with another 24 set to be open next year.

Breezy Meadows will join two other developments, Winter Rose, near the intersection of Trunk and Bogard roads, and Joey’s Safe Harbor, on Old Matanuska Road, near Wal-Mart and the Extreme Fun Center in Wasilla, as the newest VRS workforce housing projects.

Weaver said the recent grant puts the total amount of Mat-Su Health Foundation grants to VRS “in the neighborhood of $4 million.”

The Mat-Su Health Foundation shares ownership in the local hospital, the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, ensuring it continues to grow and meet the needs of Mat-Su residents. The health foundation invests its share of the profits into scholarships, programs, and grants with the goal to improve community health.

Since 2008, MSHF has contributed more than $106 million to local organizations.

That’s more than just charity. Weaver said eight MSHF grants to Valley Residential Services have sparked $100 million of construction that led to 200 housing units.

“The health foundation’s investment has provided economic development for the community,” he said. “It’s put people to work.”

It has also provided warm, safe, stable housing for people who might not otherwise have it.

Weaver shared the story of a formerly homeless man who was moved into the first available space VRS could find. He later moved into a regular apartment, where he has lived and paid his rent on time for the last 10 years. Another went from the Bridgeway facility, a community home in Meadow Lakes with on-site support services, to an independent apartment in Winter Rose. “That’s a pretty good step, and it’s about stability,” Weaver said. “These are folks who are putting their lives back together and getting a foot on the ground. We provide the basic element of stability – a place to call home.”