The Athens Area Homeless Shelter held a dedication ceremony for its newly remodeled playground in Arch Village on the morning of Friday, Sept. 29. With a community flower garden, climbing rope, swing sets, basketball court, picnic tables and a forthcoming slide, the neighborhood is becoming more child-friendly. AAHS sees the importance in creating an environment “where our kids can explore and be kids.” The addition of this playground represents a safe space for families and, on a greater scale, a step forward in the development of affordable housing.
As a part of AAHS’s Bridge to Home program, all units in Arch Village are subsidized, intended for parents pursuing higher education, along with their families. Shea Post, the executive director of AAHS, said that Arch Village is a collaboration with other service providers to invest in community resources and aid families experiencing homelessness. Income, or the lack thereof, is a major indicator for homelessness. Meanwhile, education strongly affects the potential for higher earnings. The organization has partnered with local schools and technical programs to increase education access and career opportunities for student-parents. Arch Village, and AAHS’s other transitional shelters, also offer free child care and case management services.
Transitional shelter is just a part of AAHS’s services. Its other programs include the Almost Home Emergency Shelter, which provides 60–90 days of shelter for families with children under 18, and Going Home Rapid Rehousing, which offers up to one year of rental assistance to those moving into stable housing. Once families reach stable housing, the Strengthening Home program is there to promote healthy childhood development through resource networks, therapeutic support and extracurricular activities.
The new playground was sponsored by The Winthrop Family Fund of the Athens Area Community Foundation, Thomas M. & Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Foundation and Arch Village Fund at AACF. Construction was headed by Andrew Wahlers of Cultivation Garden Design. Representatives from other local service providers, including Family Promise, Advantage Behavioral Health and Athens Homeless Coalition showed their support at the ceremony as well.
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