H.O.M.E. Builds Transitional Housing at Former Olney Clinic

House of Mercy Enterprises is renovating the former Olney Clinic at 306 W. Main St. to provide affordable transitional housing for graduates of its Christian human development program.

Preston Crowe, director of House of Mercy Enterprises, said contractors have been working for several weeks to repair and renovate the building, which has been painted bright white with black trim. Work is expected to be completed sometime this fall.

The units will be dedicated to sober living and will be available to individuals and families who have completed the House of Mercy program and want to build stable, productive lives in Olney.

Mr. Crowe said the project grew partly out of Olney’s longstanding shortage of affordable housing, including lengthy waits for apartments operated by the Olney Housing Authority. The shortage also has posed challenges for local employers trying to attract and retain workers.

“We are trying to make it affordable,” Mr. Crowe said.

The House of Mercy board will determine rental rates and other conditions for residents before the facility opens, he said.

House of Mercy’s Christian human development program uses faith-based education, mentoring and personal development to help individuals and families move toward stable, independent lives. The new housing is intended to provide graduates with another step toward independence while allowing them to remain and work in Olney.

House of Mercy also owns the historic J.P. and Sadie Lovett house at 811 W. Main St., a Cape Cod Colonial built in 1937. The organization currently holds evening Bible study classes there.

Mr. Crowe said House of Mercy is considering eventually renting the Lovett house either as temporary housing or to another tenant to create an additional source of revenue for the organization.