Southwick House is one step closer to having a transitional housing facility in south Emporia.
Groundbreaking took place at the site of Southwick’s future transitional facility, 115 East Logan, on Tuesday. Southwick House Director Cara Codney says it was an exciting day.
Board President Jeremy Dorsey believes Southwick House could be consistently full once it opens next year.
Besides Southwick House administrators and board members, representatives from the city of Emporia and Lyon County were on hand for the ceremony, as well as leaders of different local social service agencies. Mayor Becky Smith says this is good for residents in need and good for the city.
Lyon County supported an $800,000 Community Development Block Grant that helped to spur a lot of large-scale donations last year. Commission Chair Ken Duft:
17th District Senator Mike Argabright of Olpe and 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia also attended. Argabright says the need is significant — but not surprising.
State lawmakers have been discussing different housing needs for years. Schreiber says more facilities like Southwick House are needed.
Southwick House launched in 2023, but its roots date back to the origins of Plumb Place, an organization dedicated to serving women in crisis situations. Plumb Place started in 1920 and served women until financial issues and COVID-19 impacts caused it to shut down in 2020. Codney says the need for Southwick House has been evident for a while.
Dorsey tells KVOE News the groundbreaking signifies the current reality, but it also connects to the historical significance of the entire process.
Fundraising is nearing the overall goal is $3.6 million. More information about the overall project is available at southwickhouse.org.
8:30 pm Wednesday
Southwick House is one step closer to having a transitional housing facility in south Emporia.
Groundbreaking took place at the site of Southwick’s future transitional facility, 115 East Logan, on Tuesday. Besides Southwick House Director Cara Codney and board members, representatives from the city of Emporia and Lyon County were on hand for the ceremony, as well as leaders of different local social service agencies. 17th District Senator Mike Argabright of Olpe and 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia also attended.
Southwick House Board President Jeremy Dorsey says physical construction could start within the next 10 days, weather permitting. The facility could be ready for occupancy by mid-spring 2027, if not sooner.
Southwick House launched in 2023, but its roots date back to the origins of Plumb Place, an organization dedicated to serving women in crisis situations. Plumb Place started in 1920 and served women until financial issues and COVID-19 impacts caused it to shut down in 2020. Southwick House is building on the Plumb Place foundation by serving women and families through a 9,000-square-foot facility that will feature two wings, a commons area, two shared kitchens, two shared living rooms and nearly 15 congregate rooms. There will also be a noncongregate room for families.
