A resolution was passed by the Lewis County commissioners on Tuesday morning to purchase a home on Washington Avenue in Chehalis that, for three years, has been utilized by the county’s Drug Court program.
The program, according to the county website, encourages participants to make meaningful, productive changes to improve their lives and reduce criminal recidivism.
“It’s really elevated the success of the program to have a place where participants can stay,” said Lewis County Housing and Infrastructure Specialist Eric Eisenburg.
The home is currently owned by Reliable Enterprises, a local social services organization.
“I definitely appreciate Reliable working with us on this,” said Commissioner Sean Swope.
Through purchasing the house rather than continuing to rent it, he said the county will save a considerable amount of money in the long run. The house costs $460,000, plus due diligence and miscellaneous closing costs.
Eisenberg said after the sale closes, the county will have the chance to be reimbursed through state grants. The grant he was thinking of came out on Tuesday, he said, and at first glance, the program seems likely to qualify for those funds.
“I think the stability of our population in the drug court program depends upon having this house, (and) its availability,” said Commissioner Lindsey Pollock.
“And us being able to solidify that is very, very helpful.”
Learn more about the Drug Court program online at https://www.facebook.com/LCDC2016 or by contacting the Lewis County Law and Justice Center at 345 W. Main St., Chehalis at 360-740-1333.
