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RISE APARTMENTS ALMOST READY

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By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

 

“Home for the holidays” will take on a special meaning for a group of folks who will soon be moving into one of eight units in a new apartment complex near downtown Elkader. Owned by RISE, the units have been rented to five RISE clients who are able to live independently and three non-clients. RISE Executive Director Ed Josten sees the mix as a win-win for everyone.

“Integrating the people we serve with non-clients builds a stronger sense of community for everyone,” Josten said. “There are just so many benefits to truly incorporating the people we serve into the general community.”

The decision to make the apartments available to a diverse population was a deliberate one. According to Josten, the main purpose of RISE to help its clients be as independent and integrated as possible. It’s a concept that state and federal funding agencies demand, as well. New guidelines require properties with eight units to set one unit aside for physical accessibility occupancy.

“We started doing this 15 years ago because it works,” Josten said. 

This is the second time RISE has created a multi-use community. The agency also owns a five-unit complex that is occupied by four clients and one non-client resident. They own a 10-resident home with 24/7 service, as well.

RISE broke ground on its newest building in April. General contractor was Brenton Buildings, Monona. By July, all units were spoken for and a waiting list was started for the one-bedroom apartments. 

The general public can get a peek at the space at an open house planned for November 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Josten expects that two units will be fully completed by the open house. He hopes all units will be done around Thanksgiving for move-ins shortly thereafter. Each apartment is furnished with a refrigerator and stove. There’s an onsite, coin-operated laundry room that also offers storm shelter space. One of the eight units will be fully wheelchair accessible with wider doorways, lower countertops and other accommodations. 

Though Josten was reluctant to share the cost of the building, he did say that it’s fully owned by RISE. “We’ve been blessed to receive sizeable grants, donations and endowments over the years to finance the building,” he said, adding that he first approached his board about the project seven or eight years ago.

RISE currently provides wide-ranging services to 60 clients. Some clients receive services several times a week while others require assistance less frequently, perhaps an hour or two every few months. Individuals are not required to live in RISE-owned properties to receive services.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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