ROGERS -- The first Bost housing in Northwest Arkansas opened Tuesday on Oak Street.
The about $1 million small apartment complex has living spaces for six people, most of which are filled. Bost has planned the complex for years, but took time to raise money for the out-of-pocket expense. The nonprofit group broke ground on the project in August.
"This is the first one built like that in Northwest Arkansas," said Alexa Cueto, events coordinator for the organization. "It's different in that it's not a group home, it's individual apartments."
Bost Inc., based in Fort Smith, provides support services to individuals with disabilities to help them live more independent lives. It serves 28 counties and has offices in Lowell, Harrison, Russellville and Booneville, which dispatch workers to individual homes and workplaces.
Bost also runs group homes in Fort Smith, Van Buren and Barling, a Life Bridge Housing in Fort Smith and Magic Circle Apartments in Fort Smith, which is similar to the Rogers complex.
A ribbon cutting with 3rd District Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, Katherine Goff from U.S. Sen. John Boozman's office and remarks by Bost Executive Director Kent Jones were held Tuesday afternoon. Guests were invited to tour the grounds.
"The alternative for most of these residents is to be institutionalized, which comes at a higher cost and the quality of life is greatly diminished," Jones said. "Folks living here have the greatest needs. (This facility) gives clients the option to live, work and stay in the community."
The Oak Street housing was the result of several years of fundraising, Jones said, but he emphasized it's just the beginning of Bost's housing initiative. The organization has plans for two more complexes, each housing eight people, Cueto said.
Womack emphasized even though having the first facility in Benton and Washington counties is an honor, there's still work to be done.
"Everything is coming to Northwest Arkansas, but it's important to know that we have needs here, too," Womack said. "We've witnessed the need for independent living and often see this population overlooked. It's incumbent upon us to recognize what we can do to make a difference. I'm proud of the people who did and rolled up their sleeves."
The Oak Street complex has three units of two-bedroom suites. Each unit has a laundry room with washer, dryer, cupboards, counters and space to hang clothing, bedrooms with windows that face out onto a small backyard with a mix of mature trees and saplings and a large dining/living room and kitchen.
"It's special for us to help an organization like this," said Chris Davis, project manager for Turn Key Construction, which built the facility. "To help Bost in its mission is a privilege. As they grow, we hope to continue to help them."
Each unit is Americans With Disabilities Act compliant, making them more accessible, Davis said.
"Our main goal is to help individuals feel integrated to the community and live as independently as they can be," said Lindsey Gipson, director of waiver services. "There are people with varying abilities that we serve."
Bost assists individuals with disabilities with learning life skills, such as household chores, balancing checkbooks, grocery shopping and employment services, such as finding, training and workshops for jobs like janitorial and fast food services.
NW News on 01/18/2017