MY House annual meeting highlights new construction, programs

Each year, MY House staff, supporters, and other community members come out to look back at the progress being made and the plans for the upcoming year. This year was no exception as updates included many milestones and new projects to come.

“Thank you to all our community partners. We’re really tremendously blessed with an incredible community, with people who work with us and wrap around the youth that we serve,” said Michelle Overstreet, CEO and Founder of MY House during her opening remarks.

“I think in a world of turmoil and uncertainty, homeless youth really rely on us to be a refuge. They know that they can come in the door and have safe harbor, a place to land, and support from caring staff. A person can find inner strength and go forward despite having substantial odds.”

Overstreet went on to say that MY House works to provide opportunities for homeless and at-risk youth, making an impact on the community “we want to make a difference in our community, we want to make them better. We want to offer a wider platform and deeper support for our youth who are struggling.”

“We really need your support and advocacy to remain steadfast.”

“We’re so grateful for this project. It’s going to be a game changer and were already putting some of the pieces in place, and to see it come together is so exciting.

She then turned the meeting over to David Balmer, the President of the MY House Board of Directors, who gave a construction update on the Carson-Cottle Center (CCC).

“We’re excited to say today that the builders should be getting the drawings from the architect,” Blamer said. The land was cleared and graded last year and planning to have concrete poured and framing underway, with the hope being that the building will be fully enclosed by the fall this year.

“It’s supposed to look like a village, so it feels like a village…It’s designed to look and feel very welcoming,” Balmer explained, adding that plans for the 3-story CCC include 64 beds. There are plans for retail spaces, office spaces for MY House Behavioral Health, a music studio space, and a catering kitchen.

Another feature for the CCC is a 200-seat auditorium to be used for meetings, concerts, trainings, and community gatherings. The auditorium will be named the Hobo Jim Memorial Theater.

“We got permission from Hobo Jim’s widow to use his name,” Overstreet said, adding that while the word hobo references homeless is sweet, but also it honors the music legend and a key member of the community.

There are also plans for a Recovery High School and a Redemption program, which will help clients that are victims of human trafficking or domestic violence.

“We will give them a quiet space to work, job training, and housing. This is really a special place for the clients,” said Balmer.

“We’ve also included the existing house on the property,” he said. The house will be remodeled and used to start some of the programs while construction continues.

“Every part of the residential programs (offered) is part of bigger solution…it’s to get healthy, stable, sober, education, whatever it is, and then get back into the community,” said Balmer.

“It is one of the top 3 biggest projects in the Valley this year,” Overstreet said of the Carson-Cottle Center. “We’re completely blessed by that.”

Other updates included the opening of the first-of-its-kind residential treatment center for clients age 18-25. Those enrolled in the program will receive mental and behavioral health treatment services while also working on job-training and like skills.

MY House also launched the Redemption Boutique, which brings together the Redemption Apparel AK and Steam Driven Boutique under one brand. It also expands job training and ensures sustainability.

Planning is also underway for the 5th Annual Holes of Hope Golf Tournament to be held in July, and the Annual Recovery Walk to be held later this year.

To learn more about MY House, please visit their Facebook page or go to www.myhousematsu.org