April 4, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen held a public hearing Monday night on a proposal by the Upper Cumberland Development District to apply, on behalf of the city, for a Community Development Block Grant for transitional Recovery Housing for females including women with children. The program would be administered by the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency in partnership with the City of Smithville. No action has yet been taken to move forward.
If approved the grant would fund a transitional housing program, similar to the Emmanuel House in Carthage, for up to twelve women in recovery from substance abuse.
UCDD and UCHRA Executive Director Mark Farley, who first brought the proposal to the mayor and aldermen last month provided more details about it Monday night. In addition to the mayor and aldermen, two citizens, Marsha Darrah and Bert Driver raised questions about the program while another resident, Meisha Johnson spoke in support of the concept.
The aldermen tabled action on a resolution seeking the grant until a workshop and special meeting on April 21. If the city approves, the grant application has to be filed by April 29.