Nonprofit receives $2 million loan to expand housing for disabled

Aug 15, 2017

A Dartmouth nonprofit that provides care for disabled individuals just received a low-interest loan to upgrade housing in town and put up a new building in Westport.

Comprehensive Mental Health Systems (CMHS) Inc. received more than $2 million through MassDevelopment, allowing the nonprofit to expand its coverage area into Dartmouth and Westport. CMHS also has housing in New Bedford and Wareham.

The state contracts CMHS to provide housing to disabled individuals.

"[The housing] is designed to fit in. You'd have to look really closely [to notice it]," said Chief Financial Officer Tony Medeiros, explaining that ramps and other accommodations are camouflaged. "This is their residence. This is where they live."

CMHS manages 16 houses. The ones in Dartmouth and Westport each have four rooms for residents, and are staffed 24/7 with caretakers.

"We try to assimilate into each one of the communities so [the residents] live a normal life. That's one of our biggest goals," said Medeiros.

The Westport residency, located on Washington Street, is scheduled for a December opening. The Dartmouth residency is located on Russells Mills Road.

CMHS offers residential support services, wellness services, day treatment rehabilitation at its satellite locations in Quincy and Raynham, case management, and community recreational services.