Luther Home plans Oak Harbor project

11/3/2006

OAK HARBOR, Ohio - The Luther Home of Mercy in Williston, Ohio, has received a $1.1 million federal grant to construct three small group homes along State Rt. 163, east of Oak Harbor, the religious agency said.

Each home will house four people with mental retardation or developmental disabilities and will be scattered through the neighborhood.

The Rev. Donald L. Wukotich, executive director of Luther Home, said the project will be similar to facilities it is developing in Northwood and Lake Township.

"These houses are a small, low-impact kind of thing," he said.

Funding for construction will come from a HUD grant.

The Oak Harbor buildings will be built in a residential area a half-mile from Riverview Industries and are designed to fit in with other homes in the neighborhood. Supervision is provided for residents who need that level of care, he said.

Many of the residents are out of the home during the day working at or attending programs. "You try to help them toward being independent," Mr. Wukotich said.

Each home will be equipped with sprinklers and be barrier-free. Construction is expected to begin late next year and completed in 2008.

Mr. Wukotich said future projects are being considered for Lucas County. "There's a lot of need for this type of [housing]."