Villa Park apartments provide housing for vulnerable populations

VILLA PARK – When he moved to Trinity Services' new apartment building in Villa Park in November, known as The Landings on Villa, Greg said it was very important for him to move his belongings without asking for any additional help from the nonprofit organization.

"Part of Trinity is trying to make you as independent as possible," said Greg, who asked that his last name not be used. "I thought it was important I make the move on my own."

Trinity Services, an organization providing a range of support services for both adults and children with developmental disabilities and mental illness, recently opened its second apartment complex at 39 S. Villa Ave.

Greg was one of the first people to move into the new building, which includes 16 affordable units intended for people with mental illness or physical disabilities, said Thane Dykstra, Trinity's director of behavioral health services.

About a dozen residents now live in the building, which could house a total of 16 to 18 individuals, Dykstra said, adding he expects the building to fill up very quickly.

To qualify to live at The Landings, residents must have a household income that is less than 50 percent of the median family income determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to information provided by Trinity Services. Additionally, the residents must undergo a criminal background check through the state's Department of Human Services.

Aside from income requirements, Dykstra said Landings residents also must be able to live independently, though Trinity staff will work to help them maintain their living spaces and provide cooking lessons, access to medical services, and help with budgeting and job hunting.

Funding for construction of the building, which began and ended in 2014, was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Dykstra said. The DuPage County Housing Authority assists with the cost of rent, and Trinity bills Medicaid for many of the services it provides, he said.

Despite the addition of The Landings, Dykstra said there's still an acute need for affordable housing for those with both physical and mental health challenges in DuPage County.

"I think the reality is that there is an incredible need out there, and one or two apartment complexes won't meet the county's needs," he said.

As a result of untreated mental illness, Greg, 68, said that a couple decades ago his life began to unravel and he fell victim to alcohol abuse.

"I was really going in the wrong direction in my life, so (my family) decided the only foreseeable positive future for me was to get me professional help," said Greg, who entered a nursing home to recover from his alcohol addiction.

While he was there, his family did research and discovered Trinity. He said they decided the organization was the best bet to help him get back on solid ground.

Greg, who said he's been sober for 14 years, moved into Trinity's Lockport assisted living facility in 2008, and just last year he moved to The Landings, which he said offers him more independence.

Without support from both his family and Trinity, Greg said he may have wound up living on the streets.

As human beings, all of us are vulnerable to falling victim to the difficulties many of his clients face on a daily basis, Dykstra said.

He said he hopes that "through personal contact with people who benefit from these kinds of services," the stigma surrounding mental illness and disabilites in general will fade.

For his part, Greg said he's quite happy in his new home. A painter, sculptor and woodworker, Greg said he's even begun showing his artwork in a nearby gallery and store. He said he hopes to make more connections within the local business and art community.

"I thank the Lord for my multiple talents, creativity and good family support, and for them finding a service that really did give me another chance in life," Greg said.