Housing crisis at The Pointe in Plymouth, temporary housing assistance needed

Another housing crisis happened in Plymouth this past weekend.

Sixteen to twenty individuals who rent rooms at The Pointe, 309 Gibson Street in Plymouth, were notified on Friday evening that the electricity was being shut off due to a safety factor.

A Plymouth Police Officer concerned with the living conditions in the building contacted the Plymouth Building Inspector, Dennis Manual.  Manual, in turn, contacted the Marshall County Health Department so they could tackle the issues cooperatively.   

The deeded owner of The Pointe is listed on the Marshall County GIS website as Rich-Mons Group LLC.  The tax bill is mailed to Bob Richards on 11^th Road in Plymouth.  WTCA has been told that Richards’ stepson Anthony Collins has been managing the property.      

The Building Inspector shut the power off Friday night when he found the gas line was electrically charged due to the leaking roof and electrical issues in the building.  While he was in the building a resident told him they received a shock while taking a shower. 

The Marshall County Community Table Partners, a group created through United Way of Marshall County were notified Friday night of the urgent housing need for those living at The Pointe. They were asked to assist with providing alternative housing solutions.

Marshall County Center Township Trustee Amy Knapp and local Salvation Army Director Doug Kucera were able to secure one week of temporary housing in a local motel for 16 of the individuals living at The Pointe. Since there are water and restroom facilities some individuals elected to stay. 

Plymouth Building Inspector Dennis Manual said the property owner is willing to invest in the property to make the necessary repairs.  Manuwal met with the electrician working on the electrical issues on Tuesday. He told him the necessary repairs were completed.  The Building Inspector is waiting for the written report before he can turn the power back on.   He also said the building manager applied for a demolition permit to make repairs to the ceiling inside the building and that a roofing contractor is supposed to be applying for a roofing permit any day.  It could take a couple more weeks before the building can be occupied. 

The Center Township Trustee and the Salvation Army helped with a week of temporary housing and Linda Yoder from United Way of Marshall County and their partner will be providing a second week of temporary housing.  The goal is to provide temporary housing until August 1^st, giving the property owner time to make the necessary improvements.  Anyone in the community willing to help with financial assistance would truly be appreciated.  A week of temporary housing for 16 to 20 individuals ranges from $7,000 to $10,000.  If a conglomerate of organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals could each donate $1,000 that would help the Marshall County Community Table Partners solve this housing crisis.