Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Sheffield Place – a transitional living program for homeless mothers – celebrated the opening of its newest facility on Wednesday, Sept. 18, welcoming community members and project donors to tour its site at 916 Newton Ave.

With the snip of many scissors, a rainbow-colored paper chain was cut to mark the official opening as cheers and clapping from guests filled the air. 

Built to blend with nearby century-old residential housing, this facility offers housing for five families, offices for three staff members, shared laundry, kitchen, living room, outdoor play space, courtyard, and a large meeting room with projection equipment. This $3.7 million project was financed by individual and corporate donors, which is reflected by signage throughout this residential/office complex.

Bunk beds, supplemented by toddler beds and cribs as needed, allow residents to add personal touches to feel at home.

Kelly Welch, Sheffield Place president and CEO, thanked Pearce Construction for completing the project ahead of time and addressed the need for additional space, fulfilled by building this facility.

“We wanted to do this for years, our board has been asking us to get some more space for staff offices. We keep switching out closets (as office space) so we can have enough bed space, so this (project) is a really nice way to expand our programming.”

Sheffield Place resident Tiera, a single mother with one son, shared how grateful she was to be accepted into this facility and its programs.

“I tried to go through life independently but sometimes you need that support,” she said, Wednesday. “I feel like Sheffield (Place) gave me a place to rest and relax and process all the things I’ve been through in life, I appreciate that- really, really appreciate that.”

Last week, four families, along with staff members officed on-site, moved and settled into this facility — named “The Aspen” to reflect resilience and community. All were eager to show off their rooms during the tour and joined guests for a picnic lunch featuring grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and a decorated cake that read “Welcome Home!”.

Sheffield Place accountant, Rod, manned the grill to prepare lunch for guests.

With the completion of The Aspen, Sheffield Place offers three locations with housing and counseling services for up to 29 families. Sheffield Place opened in 1991 at its first location, 6604 E. Twelfth St., and expanded by opening SEVI House (1004 Newton) in 2022.

For more information about Sheffield Place and its programs, visit www.sheffeildplace.org

For previous Northeast News coverage of this project, read:: https://northeastnews.net/pages/sheffield-place-expands-to-meet-growing-need/