Employment Options finally breaks ground for housing project

MARLBOROUGH — Sometimes the wheels of progress move slowly. That certainly has been the case for Employment Options Inc. It has taken six years, but the organization finally celebrated a ground-breaking ceremony Nov. 25 for construction of a new two- story housing complex located at 153 Mechanic St.

“This has been patience in the making,” said an elated Toni Wolf, executive director of Employment Options. “If all goes well, we hope to have construction complete by late spring, and move our first members of the Options Clubhouse in by early or late fall.”

This $1 million project is being developed on a lot owned by Options Properties, a subsidiary of Employment Options Inc. According to Wolf, funding for the project has been provided by Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Facilities Consolidation Fund, and Federal Home Loan Bank, and has received continuous support from the city of Marlborough, local agencies and neighbors.

Wolf explained that the lack of affordable housing and the limited scale of housing assistance programs are the primary causes of homelessness. This project aims to encourage other agencies to commit to meeting the needs of the community, whether it’s through developing local homes or simply voicing the need.

“This project was undertaken to provide low-income individuals quality affordable housing, safer neighborhoods, and easy access to jobs and family needs,” said Jim Grasberger, development director for Employment Options.

Designed by architect Gorman-Richardson, the project is a 5,781-square-foot independent living facility that will house 10 individuals. The building will contain six apartments, including two one-bedroom apartments and four two- bedroom apartments. A first-floor two-bedroom apartment will be handicapped accessible, per state and federal ADA standards.

Apartments will be made available to those individuals who are homeless or at a risk of losing their employment due to lack of housing options. Wolf said first consideration would be given to those individuals who currently reside in Marlborough in housing that is considered substandard.

They will be offered for rent at 30 percent of a member’s individual income with the balance covered by HUD.

“A large number of near-homeless individuals live in Marlborough,” Wolf said. “Employment Options realized the importance of addressing the needs of this population and decided to build supported, quality affordable housing to serve this group.

She explained that in keeping with Employment Options philosophy of lifetime membership and long-term support, this project will offer permanent homes for individuals with disabilities.
“As always, Employment Options will be there to offer services based on strong relationships and alliances with an existing network of staff, members and local partnerships.” Wolf added.

Employment Options Inc. is a nonprofit agency, serving adults with mental illness and other challenged populations in the Metrowest region. Employment Options believes in an individual’s right to independent and dignified living, and provides meaningful ser vices ranging from employment, education, housing and family services to social needs.

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