Mike Wolanin | The Republic An exterior view of the Villas Apartments in Columbus, Ind., Monday, April 29, 2024.
Some of the residents of the soon-to-close Villas senior apartments in Columbus recently shared with volunteers that they get precious little chance to pass out Halloween candy anymore.
But now, with the help of those volunteers and local agency staffers who have come alongside residents recently, the approximate 70 remaining residents of The Villas will be distributing Halloween sweets Oct. 31.
The event is open to past Villas residents as well, plus the public, according to organizers.
The public is invited to bring youngsters to get candy from 5 to 6 p.m that day at the complex at 4101 Waycross Drive in Columbus. Agencies including the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress, Human Services Inc., Mental Health Matters, and United Way of Bartholomew County are hosting a party for residents for 3 to 5 p.m.
Janae Garner-Kelley, prevention coordinator for the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress, recently repeated what she said just before an organized July 4th party for the residents — a gathering that attracted 25 residents plus some of their family members.
“Everyone deserves to feel loved and supported,” Garner-Kelley said. “And everyone needs a sense of connection. This situation could happen to anyone.”
The Villas will close shortly after April 2025, when property owner BHI Senior Living’s contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that subsidizes rent for the residents of the 99-unit complex is set to expire.
Garner-Kelley mentioned that some residents have openly expressed concerns and fears about where they may find future housing — a task they are being helped with by Human Services Inc. and others.
Garner-Kelly was among those who prepared homemade food for the residents in July This time around, she is preparing white chicken chili. Alicia Monroe, director of the Volunteer Action Center, is making beef chili. Homeboyz is providing spaghetti and salad.
The gathering, planned by the approximate 20-member Villas Housing Task Force is scheduled to unfold in a lounge area just off the lobby.
