The construction of Russell County's new transitional housing facility is well underway.

The new program is a result of a partnership of the Lake Cumberland Area Development District (LCADD), the Russell County Fiscal Court and the Russell County Emergency Shelter (RCES). Through the efforts of these three groups, a neighborhood stabilization grant was received to purchase and renovate the old Shiloh Motel.

Plans are to turn the motel into two and three bedroom apartments. These apartments will be offered to working families and individuals who need housing assistance for up to 12 months.

Working applicants will be offered temporary housing at a reduced rate. This opportunity will be presented to help families prepare for more permanent housing options.

Gary McClure, of the RCES said, "We want to offer working people a chance to stay in the county, raise their children, and become a part of this community. We want to make it 'do-able' even in a difficult economy."

If construction continues as planned, the new facility, which will be called, "The Inn", will be finished by the end of the year. At that point, the Russell County Ministerial Association (RCMA) and the RCES will team up to oversee and manage the program.

Much work has taken place to this point to make such a program possible for Russell County.

Very few communities in Kentucky have transitional housing programs. The LCADD and the RC Fiscal Court have invested effort for almost two years for Russell County to receive the grant and to formulate such a program.

Tony Stephens, RCMA member and president of the RCES said, "I am so excited to see the project moving so quickly. I am thankful for all the work of Jim Brown and Judy Keltner of the LCADD office and Mickey Garner, our County Judge. Without those folks, this project would not have happened."