Submitted by NAMI Wood County
FOSTORIA, Ohio – With his 50 years in the field, it’s hard to surprise Terry Russell but that’s what Fostoria folks did recently when they dedicated the Terry Russell Home for people with mental illness.
The surprise dedication ceremony celebrated the anticipated Feb. 1 opening of the 16-person renovated group home at 529 W. Lytle Street in Fostoria.
“I was shocked. I had no idea,” said Russell, who thought he was attending an open house but was surprised with a ribbon-cutting and plaque naming the building for him.
Russell, who retired two years ago as executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio, was clearly moved by the namesake honor of a home for those whose cause he has championed his entire adult life.
“Of all the awards I’ve received, this is probably the most significant,” said Russell who in retirement heads the Terry Russell Housing Initiative for NAMI Ohio.
Russell has long advocated for more housing for those with mental illness, arguing that medications, counseling and treatment alone don’t work “unless you have food in your belly, a pillow to lay your head on, and a roof over your head.”
The newly renovated 15-unit, 16-bed group home will provide apartment-style living to people recovering from mental illness. Each room has a bedroom, living room with wall-mounted flat-screen television, kitchen and bathroom. The single-floor plan has a large public area with a kitchen, seating area, couches and television for residents to eat, learn, and interact. It will be staffed 24 hours a day.
Mental health agencies in an 11-county area around Fostoria must refer new residents for the house.
Housing is “the most mentally stabilizing thing you can do for a human being,” explained Precia Stuby, executive director of the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services. “It’s step one. In our county, we struggle with affordable, available housing.”
Mircea Handru, executive director of the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky & Wyandot Counties, said mental health housing “is very much needed” in the multi-county area of northwest Ohio. “We all have to do our part.”
Scott Boone is the president and CEO of New Housing Ohio, the owner and operator of the Terry Russell Home. His non-profit organization, based in Lebanon, Ohio, has 50 facilities housing more than 500 people across the state. New Housing Ohio serves those with mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Boone’s organization bought the building, which has been vacant for about four years and did a complete renovation. “It’s hard to address your mental health or addiction if you don’t have a roof over your head,” he said.
NAMI Ohio has worked with New Housing Ohio to increase housing for all Ohioans impacted by mental Illness. NAMI Ohio Executive Director Luke Russell attended the ceremony and commented that “NAMI Ohio is committed to expanding housing to those with serious and persistent mental illness. There may be no greater need that will truly lead folks to live quality and productive lives. The NAMI Ohio Board has made this a priority with expanding our efforts by partnering with developers like New Housing Ohio to increase permanent support housing units and new group homes in Ohio.”
