Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (LCBHS) staff provides care for approximately 1400 adults who have severe and persistent mental illness.  These are individuals who historically had been cared for by the Human Services Center but who, in more recent years, have been largely cared for in the community by the mental health center.  Typically, these individuals have lived in low cost or subsidized community based housing.

Staff at LCBHS has recognized for a number of years that the typical available housing arrangement was not adequate for a group of individuals we serve.  This group needs to have services that include help with activities of daily living built in as a part of their housing.  We have seen a number of individuals fall through the cracks in care because this kind of support was not available.

Development

Completed in late August 2003, then opened on September 2, 2003, the project was funded by the 2001 McKenny-Vento Act Homeless Assistance Competition for $526,000.  This grant provided $400,000 for construction and $126,000 for yearly operation.  The project also received a construction grant in the amount of $200,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank.  Additional funding came from a $733,600 zero (0) percent interest loan from the South Dakota Housing Authority.  The total cost of the project was $1,333,600.  It is important to note that the project would not have been possible without an operating subsidy from HUD. That operating subsidy is now 140,000 per year. The facility was constructed on land leased from the State of South Dakota.  The leased land was subsequently purchased from the state in September 2016.

Facility Description

Cedar Village Assisted Living Facility is a therapeutic place designed to provide permanent supported housing for individuals who become homeless because of severe and persistent mental illness. Individuals who are admitted also qualify for an assisted living level of care. Residents each have a single bedroom unit with living room, dining room and a small kitchenette. The facility was designed to minimize behavior problems related to patient density while at the same time allowing for group services.

Services

Cedar Village services are common to most assisted living facilities.  There is 24/7 staffing with nursing support.  There are three nutritious meals served each day for residents.  Laundry and housekeeping assistance is available for residents.  Transportation to medical appointments and other destinations is provided.  Caring staff assist residents with personal needs and medication.  Cedar Village also has a full schedule of activities planned for residents to enjoy.

Cedar Village is fully occupied and there is a high need for additional beds. However, future development is limited because of the lack of available operating funds.