YOUNGSTOWN - Before Woodside Receiving Hospital closed back in 1997, the facility assisted thousands with mental health battles in the area.

"People get better. People recover. People who recover pay taxes. So, we're hoping to be part of our continuum," said Duane Piccirilli, Executive Director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.

Fast forward nearly 30 years, it's now the site where a new 24-unit apartment complex would be built. The supported housing project is particularly designed to help those struggling with their mental health. The project would cost roughly $5 million and would be funded mostly through private sources.

"This is apartments for individuals just like if they live in private homes or private apartments in the community," explained Lee Devita, Program Coordinator with the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board. "Our building will provide the wrap-around services for people coming out of mental health treatment."

During a community meeting at the OCCHA building, the board explained individuals living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, etc. could be tenant candidates for the new space.

The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board would also provide services to those living there but it will not be a treatment center. The apartment tenants will be assisted with living, shopping, life growth, etc. The developers of the property, New Housing Ohio, Inc., exclusively create buildings for people with mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. "As a community-driven organization, we seek to reuse, revitalize, and reinvigorate the buildings and communities in which we work," its website reads.

"This will enable folks to live in a community where they contribute 30% of their income in an environment where affordability is an issue," said Scott Boone, President & CEO of New Housing Ohio, Inc. "This will provide adequate support for folks living in the community. This specifically addresses concerns around folks living with anxiety, PTSD, and social anxieties."

"We help them manage their money, make sure their rent is paid, and help them find transportation," Piccirilli said.

"If you're living in our building, you might just not be ready to go out in the community to live in a private apartment," Devita explained. "You might need some types of services and that's what we're looking to provide."

The only other similar housing is the Commons at Madison, located just northwest of the downtown district. 

"We encouraged this meeting because we want to be very transparent," Piccirilli said. "We want the community to see what we're doing and do something that is welcomed in the community."

Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti was present at Tuesday's meeting and supported the complex. 

The members of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board hope subsidy from rent will come from a collaboration with the city's metropolitan board. Tenants will be charged 30% of their income and the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board covers tenant's utilities. The board will hire local teams to care for the property, including yard work, maintenance, etc. 

The board met with Potential Development Elementary School officials to assure the school no dangers would arise. 

The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board and developers are now looking to YMHA for subsidy grants and vouchers and they have filed for their permits to the city's zoning department.

Plans will take about 2 years before the complex is ready to welcome tenants, as early as Spring 2026.