Both projects have been in the planning stages for several months and now seem to be reaching fruition, said Jessi Hans, CCJ executive director.
Both projects have been in the planning stages for several months and now seem to be reaching fruition, said Jessi Hans, CCJ executive director.
Mobile Home Park
Hans says the capital campaign to fund the mobile home park is expected to generate $800,000 in the next year and a half. CCJ hopes to locate the park on approximately 4.5 acres in the greater Prescott area. No specific location has been identified yet.
“This will be the most expensive project CCJ has ever taken on. But it is a stepping stone to those who want to have a home,” she said. “I can’t disclose who we are negotiating with, especially in this time of volatile land prices, but I am confident that CCJ will find property that is useful to all involved.”
Hans said the first year will likely involve the location of about a dozen one-, two- or three-bedroom mobile homes. Rentals are estimated to range from $600 to $800 a month in the initial phase. A full-time CCJ employee will live onsite as the property manager and to provide tenant assistance.
“It is our belief that individuals and families deserve homes of their own where they can feel a sense of dignity and privacy,” Hans said.
The project is part of what the CCJ calls its “Second Chance Housing Program.” The non-profit organization already has various rental units. Some are mobile homes. Others include three lodge-model homes, which can accommodate four to six people.
Thrift Store to Open in May
The CCJ Thrift Store, previously located on Fair Street, has been relocated to the main office on Miller Avenue. Now called the “Second Glance Thrift Store,” it will occupy more than 6,000 square feet, almost double its former space, in the remodeled building.
Cameron Lenbocker, a maintenance and home repair employee at CCJ, said the remodeling project was far more complex and expensive than what originally had been anticipated. “Construction costs have increased far beyond what we expected. Some materials have doubled in cost. That was a shock,” said Lenocker, who has been involved with CCJ for the past two-and-a-half years.
For the past several months, the thrift store has not accepted donations because of space limitations. The new location is able to store small and large appliances, household goods and other items.
Hans said the thrift store is a major source of income for CCJ, as it contributes up to $20,000 a month to CCJ operations. It also provides employment for several clients.
Amy Marshall, a CCJ employee, said she was impressed with the support from the community. “Our donors especially are beginning to come in and ask what they can do to assist.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
For information, visit CCJ.com or call 928 445-8342.
