In Belleville, Illinois, residents are worried about new plans to move people with mental health and drug abuse issues into an area formerly reserved for individuals with developmental disabilities. Turkey Hill’s remote neighborhood of 20 houses has sheltered disabled adults for more than four decades. St. Clair Associated Vocational Enterprises (SAVE) facilitated a supportive atmosphere for these inhabitants by integrating them into communities and creating local jobs.

State policy alters course

Last year, state policy alterations forced this program to shut down. Illinois Department of Human Services decided that disabled individuals should mix into the general population rather than isolate them. Consequently, SAVE lost vital funding and ended its residential program but maintained day programs, leaving Turkey Hill houses empty.

What’s Next for Turkey Hill?

The now vacant houses on Turkey Hill have been leased to the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) by SAVE. Who will occupy 15 out of the remaining 17 buildings with their clients. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded CBHC a $537,000 federal grant to provide low-income housing options to persons with behavioral disabilities such as mental illness or drug abuse patients as well as the homeless.

What is CBHC Aiming for?

The website of CBHC states its goal is providing essential services round-the-clock in an environment least restrictive for those in need of emotional rehabilitation and social support.”

Neighbors Who Aren’t So Happy

Belleville residents did not welcome this news openly. Mostly due to rumors regarding houses being occupied by immigrants from Chicago stirring up confusion. Realizing that the newcomers will be having mental health issues or drug problems exacerbated fear over potential increases in violence and crime.

Worries Voiced by Residents

Ginger Miller, a local, shared her concerns:

“I am mostly afraid of drive by shootings or fights that might lead to firing. I am aware that Freeburg police don’t have the numbers to patrol regularly, and our county law enforcement is already overtaxed.”

Meanwhile, Frank Heiligenstein, resident of nearby Freeburg and Head of St. Clair County Citizens Federation has included this matter in a meeting on Wednesday after finding out the truth about new residents.

What Do they Think?

“It would have been better if the newcomers were immigrants since they are usually looking for jobs,” he stated. “Several local facilities rely on immigrants (both legal and illegal). Some business operations depend on them.”

SAVE and CBHC’s Stand

Despite oppositions, Paul Wibbenmeyer (SAVE’s executive director) persisted in defending the choice to let CBHC rent these houses by talking about earning needed revenue along with chances to continually assist challenged populations.

No significant changes will be seen with this new use of homes. We used to deal with a population having its own challenges too. The aim behind HUD grant is also helping people overcoming their own challenges.”

Further, Joe Harper (CEO of CBHC) made it clear that these incoming clients were already community members who just required additional support to become responsible citizens.

“Our goal is offering stable homes so they can contribute positively towards the society.”

Safety Precaution Steps

CBHC Supplied Services

• Therapeutic counseling
• Psychosocial testing
• Individual and group therapy
• Crisis management
• Community intervention
• Evaluations by Psychiatrists
• Adequate Case management
• Apt referrals and community outreach programs
• Treatments for Drug Abuse
• Courses on Teen Parenting Aid
• Transition from homelessness

Turkey Hill’s Mini History

The small housing units on Turkey Hill, that were initially supposed to cater to U.S. Air Force radar base personnel needs, date back to the 1950s and ’60s. In 1975, the government permitted SAVE to utilize these buildings along with the land and later transferred its ownership permanently to them. At nearby assembly plants and warehouses controlled by SAVE. Disabled clients (including residents as well as day visitors) could acquire vocational skills and wages.

Moving forward

The transition has ignited a major controversy among community members while raising questions over Turkey Hill’s future plans. While these changes aim at catering needs of individuals requiring extra care. Current inhabitants are more concerned about fitting these new policies with harmony in their closely bound community. It will be interesting to note how the scenario unfolds further with SAVE and CBHC are functioning together to address all concerns assuring smooth transitions for everyone involved.